VALPO IN THE PROS
The Valparaiso University baseball program has produced numerous players who have gone on to continue their baseball careers at the professional level. Former Valpo star Lloyd McClendon is the school's most noteworthy baseball alum, as he played in 570 big league games over eight seasons and has spent seven seasons as a big league manager. In recent years, Valpo's program has churned out numerous players who have gone on to compete professionally.
Drew Hasler has reached as high as Triple-A. Photo by James Geiser/W-S Dash.
Here's a rundown of active and retired Valpo alums who have played professionally.
Active Valpo Alums (highest level reached)
Scott Kapers - Triple-A
Kyle Gaedele - Double-A
Colin Fields - Class-A Advanced
Jake Miller - Class-A Advanced
Trent Turzenski - Class-A
Giovanni Garbella - Independent
Chase Dawson - Independent
Montana Quigley - Independent
Jim Jarecki - Independent
Retired Valpo Alums (highest level reached)
Lloyd McClendon - MLB (Cincinnati Reds/Chicago Cubs/Pittsburgh Pirates)
Drew Hasler - Triple-A
Eric Millholland - Triple-A
Karch Kowalczyk - Triple-A
Jamie Sykes - Double-A
Ryan Fritze - Class-A Advanced
Dallas Cawiezell - Class-A Advanced
Tanner Vavra - Class-A Advanced
Richard O'Connor - Class-A Advanced
Justin Craker - Class-A Advanced
Bryce Shafer - Single-A
Bo McClendon - Single-A
Brian O'Connor - Single-A
Bryce Shafer - Single-A
Angus Roy - Single A
Adam Knobel - Single-A
Brian Wolotka - Single-A
Tim Holmes - Single-A
Mickey Scala - Single-A
Spencer Mahoney - Rookie
Dalton Lundeen - Rookie
Mason Linderbaum - Rookie
Troy Garrett - Rookie
Jon Gulbransen - Rookie
Bob Jenkins - Rookie
Chris DeBoo - Independent
Chase Dawson - Independent
Tyler Deetjen - Independent
Billy Finn - Independent
Kyle Muhlsteff - Independent
Matt Soderlund - Independent
Kyle Wormington - Independent
Zach Rodeghero - Independent
Kevin Rainford - Independent
Sean Galiher - Independent
Nick Mazzone - Independent
Kevin Perri - Independent
Rob Rabakozi - Independent
Brian Rzepka - Independent
Jordan Smolar - Independent
Tom Starck - Independent
VALPO ALUMS SELECTED IN MLB DRAFT
Jake Miller - 2022, Eighth Round, Detroit Tigers
Scott Kapers - 2018, 17th Round, Texas Rangers
Dalton Lundeen - 2016, 30th, Detroit Tigers
Drew Hasler - 2015, 34th, Chicago White Sox
Karch Kowalczyk - 2014, 37th, Los Angeles Dodgers
Tanner Vavra - 2013, 30th, Minnesota Twins
Kyle Gaedele - 2011, 6th, San Diego Padres
Bo McClendon - 2010, 39th, Detroit Tigers
Bryce Shafer - 2010, 49th, Chicago Cubs
Dallas Cazwiezell - 2007, 40th, Cleveland Indians
Brian Wolotka - 2001, 24th, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Brian O'Connor - 1999, 24th, Houston Astros
Bob Jenkins - 1998, 42nd, Cincinnati Reds
Jamie Sykes - 1997, 11th, Arizona Diamondbacks
Richard O'Connor - 1995, 34th, Philadelphia Phillies
Tim Holmes - 1987, 35th, Pittsburgh Pirates
Eric Milholland - 1985, 11th, Chicago White Sox
Lloyd McClendon - 1980, 8th, New York Mets
