News Summary
Tyler Bowen and Richie Cortese from Lander University were selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the Major League Baseball draft, marking a significant achievement for the university. Their journey from being under-scouted high school players to professional prospects highlights the rising reputation of Lander’s baseball program. Coach Jason Burke and the team celebrate this milestone, showcasing the potential of student-athletes from smaller institutions.
Greenwood, S.C. – Two pitchers from Lander University, Tyler Bowen and Richie Cortese, made history when they were selected by the Philadelphia Phillies during the second day of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft. Bowen was chosen in the 12th round with the 371st overall pick, while Cortese followed shortly after in the 17th round at 521st overall.
The success of Bowen and Cortese marks a significant achievement for Lander University, a small public school located in Greenwood, South Carolina, which has a current enrollment of 4,423 students. It is known for being a hidden gem in the world of college baseball, and this year’s draft results underscore its growing reputation. The Phillies’ assistant general manager, Brian Barber, highlighted the rarity of two players from a smaller institution being drafted simultaneously.
Neither player was heavily scouted out of high school, making their journey to the MLB draft rather remarkable. Area scout Aaron Jersild first saw Bowen during a Lander baseball team workout last fall, where he noted Bowen’s impressive athletic build and fastball velocity reaching the mid-90s mph. Initially, Jersild attended a game where both pitchers excelled with no additional scouts present. However, as their performances drew attention, around 20 scouts later showed interest in their games as the season progressed.
Bowen and Cortese’s paths to professional baseball were unique. Tyler Bowen previously played quarterback at Indian River High School in Dagsboro, Delaware, before fully committing to baseball at college. He spent four years at Lander despite a missed season due to injury and briefly announced a commitment to transfer to Oregon prior to signing with the Phillies. In the 2025 season, Bowen posted a 3.90 ERA in 22 games, recording 51 strikeouts over 32.1 innings.
Richie Cortese, on the other hand, transferred to Lander from Dickinson State in North Dakota, where he primarily played as a first baseman before shifting to a full-time pitching role. Standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Cortese demonstrated significant potential, achieving speeds up to 95 mph and showcasing a sharp slider. During his time at Lander, he finished the season with a 5.17 ERA across 13 games, highlighted by multiple scoreless outings.
Following their college seasons, both players participated in additional competitive leagues; Bowen performed in the MLB Draft League, while Cortese had the opportunity to throw in front of the Phillies’ front office at Citizens Bank Park. Their performances kept them on the radar for professional teams and ultimately led to their selections in the draft.
The emotional aspect of this journey was further deepened for Jersild, who learned of his father’s passing shortly before he was to meet with Bowen and Cortese after the season. This personal experience added a layer of significance to the scouting and draft process for both players.
Under the guidance of head coach Jason Burke, who has been leading the Lander Bearcats since 2016, the team experienced a successful 2025 season, finishing with a record of 43-15, clinching the Peach Belt Conference Championship, and competing in the Division II Southeast Regional. Burke, who also played for Lander in the early 2000s, expressed his pride in the progress of his players and the significance of their selection in the draft.
This accomplishment marks the 13th time that a player from Lander University has been drafted in the history of MLB drafts, illustrating the program’s growing prominence in cultivating athletic talent. The journeys of Bowen and Cortese serve as inspirations of determination and teamwork, as both players will now transition to the next phase of their careers in professional baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies.
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Additional Resources
- Phillies Nation
- Montana Sports
- Coastal Point
- Augusta Jags
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Google Search: Lander University baseball
- Google Scholar: Tyler Bowen baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: baseball
- Google News: MLB draft 2025
Author: HERE Greenwood
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