FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2009

Justin Beal drafted in 28th round of Major League Baseball Draft

Joplin, Mo. -  Missouri Southern senior shortstop/pitcher Justin Beal (Owasso, Okla.) has been selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 28th round (857 overall) of the 2009 Major League Baseball first year player draft.

Beal (6-2, 205) is the first Missouri Southern player to be drafted since Jeff Taylor (24th round) was taken by the Washington Nationals in 2005. He joins Dan Rogers (1990), Tim Casper and Ken Grundt (1991), David Fisher (1992), Scott Wright (1995) and Bryce Darnell (1996) as Lions that have been drafted since Southern moved to the Division II level. Randy Braun (1981) and Mick Gildebaus (1984) were drafted when the Lions were an NAIA member institution. Braun was Southern's highest-drafted player going in the 12th round to the Houston Astros, while Grundt played parts of the 1996 and 1997 seasons for the Boston Red Sox.

Beal played the majority of the season at shortstop, but the Phillies drafted the senior righty as a pitcher. This season, Beal was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick as a utility player this season. He hit .305 and was second on the team with 15 doubles. He also had a homer, 29 RBIs and scored 34 runs. On the mound, Beal was 3-2 with a 5.50 ERA and struck out 32 batters in 37.2 innings pitched. Beal features a low 90's fastball with movement which made him attractive to professional scouts.

"We are very excited for Justin (Beal)," said head coach Bryce Darnell. "I know this was a goal of his. He's got a 90-mph arm and has untapped pitching talent and has a lot of potential for growth. All of those things are appealing to professional scouts. We're all proud of him and wish him the best of luck."

Beal will most likely report to the Phillies' Gulf Coast team in Clearwater, Florida or to the Williamsport Crosscutters, a short-season single A affiliate in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.