News Summary
Richie Cortese, a right-handed pitcher from Lander University, has been selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 17th round of the MLB Draft. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 240 pounds, Cortese had a strong senior season with an ERA of 4.86. His successful performance contributed to Lander’s impressive record and their first Peach Belt Conference Tournament title since 2014. With this selection, he becomes part of a growing legacy of Lander University baseball, marking the 13th draft pick in the program’s history.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Richie Cortese, a right-handed pitcher from Lander University, has been selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Cortese was chosen as the 521st overall pick in the 20-round draft, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6 and weighing 240 pounds, Cortese has demonstrated his skills as a formidable pitcher during his time with the Lander University Bearcats. Throughout his senior season, he appeared in 14 games, where he struck out 30 batters while allowing just nine earned runs over 16.2 innings pitched. His season ended with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.86 and he allowed 14 walks, facing opponents with a batting average of .200. Notably, he showcased his abilities in the NCAA tournament, where he struck out four batters during his two-inning appearance.
The selection comes after a successful season for the Lander Bearcats, who finished with an impressive record of 43-15 and clinched the Peach Belt Conference Tournament title for the first time since 2014. Additionally, Cortese’s teammate, Tyler Bowen, was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round, making them the first pair of players from Lander University to be drafted in the same year.
Cortese’s baseball journey began at Laurel High School, from which he graduated in 2021. He played two seasons at Dickinson State University in North Dakota before transferring to Lander University. His earlier experience includes pitching for the Laurel Dodgers in American Legion baseball, where he was under the guidance of coach Doug Studiner. These experiences contributed to his development as a pitcher and ultimately helped attract the attention of professional scouts.
Leading up to the MLB Draft, Cortese prepared extensively, participating in six workouts for various Major League Baseball teams. Scouts have noted his potential, particularly highlighting his pitching arsenal, which includes a strong slider and a notable improvement in his overall performance. Cortese’s development and performance during the season positioned him favorably for the draft.
Following the selection, Cortese expressed his excitement and joy over the opportunity. Although he has another year of college eligibility remaining, he plans to sign with the Phillies and report to Philadelphia for a physical. This decision highlights his commitment to pursuing a professional baseball career.
Richie Cortese’s selection marks the 13th draft pick in Lander University’s program history, demonstrating the growing recognition of the university’s baseball program in producing talents that can succeed at the professional level. As he embarks on this new chapter in his athletic career with the Philadelphia Phillies, the baseball community will be watching closely to see how this promising player develops in the coming years.
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Lander University Pitchers Make History in MLB Draft
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Additional Resources
- 406mtsports: Richie Cortese Drafted by Phillies
- Wikipedia: Philadelphia Phillies
- Montana Sports: Richie Cortese Selected
- Google Search: Richie Cortese
- KHQ: Richie Cortese’s Passion
- Google Scholar: Richie Cortese baseball
- 406mtsports: Laurel Dodgers Contend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Draft
- 406mtsports: Laurel Dodgers Warmed Up
- Google News: Baseball Draft 2025
Author: HERE Greenwood
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