Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Baseball in MLB
Information is accurate as of Dec. 30, 2024
The Eastern Michigan University baseball team has been well represented in Major League Baseball (MLB) through the years.
EMU Players in the Major Leagues
EMU Drafted or Signed Players into MLB
EMU Baseball Players Who Became MLB Stars:
Bob Welch-Starting RHP (1975-77)
- 2 College World Series Appearances with EMU (1975 & 1976)
- Played in the MLB for 16 Years (1978-94)
- 1990 AL Cy Young Winner with Athletics: 27 Wins
- Won 2 World Series with Los Angeles (1981) & Oakland (1989)
- Pitched for Dodgers (1978-19780 & Athletics (1988-1994)
- 2-Time All-Star with Los Angeles (1980) & Oakland (1990)
- Finished in Top 10 in Cy Young Voting Three Times
- 10th on the Dodgers' All-Time Strikeouts List (1,292)
- 8 Playoff Appearances & 5 World Series
- Career Postseason Stats: 3-3 Record & 41 Strikeouts in 17 Games
- Won 15 or More Games in a Season Six Times
- ERA. of 3.50 or Below in a Single Season Eleven Times
- 150 or More Strikeouts in a Season Five Times
- 211-146 MLB Record
- 3.47 MLB ERA.
- 1,969 MLB Strikeouts
Matt Shoemaker-Starting RHP (2005-07)
- 2014 AL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up (Lost to Jose Abreu of White Sox)
- Pitched for Angels (2013-18), Blue Jays (2019-20), and Minnesota Twins (2021)
- Won 16 Games for Anaheim in 2014
- 1 Playoff Appearance with Angels: 2014 ALDS
- Won 7 or More Games in a Single Season Three Times
- ERA. of 4.00 or Below in a Season Four Times
- 100 or More Strikeouts in a Single Season Three Times
- 46-41 MLB Record
- 4.24 MLB ERA.
- 580 MLB Strikeouts
Chris Hoiles-Catcher (1984-1986)
- Played in the MLB for 9 Years (1989-98, all with Orioles)
- 2 ALCS Appearances with Baltimore: 1996 & 1997
- Caught the Orioles' Combined No-Hitter vs. Athletics in 1991
- 2 Playoff Appearances During the 1990's
- Career Postseason Stats: 2 HRs & 3 RBIs in 15 Games
- 15 or More Home Runs in a Single Season Six Times
- 50 or More RBIs in a Season Five Times
- Batted 0.250 or Higher in a Single Season Six Times
- .262 MLB Batting Average
- 151 MLB Home Runs
- 449 MLB RBIs
Bob Owchinko-Starting LHP (1973-1976)
- 2 College World Series Appearances with EMU (1975 & 1976)
- Played in the MLB for 10 Years (1976-86)
- Pitched in 1981 ALCS with Oakland
- Spent 1st Four Seasons with Padres (1976-79)
- 1 Playoff Appearance with Athletics in 1981
- Won 6 or More Games in a Single Season Three Times
- ERA. of 4.00 or Below in a Season Three Times
- 60 or More Strikeouts in a Single Season Six Times
- 37-60 MLB Record
- 4.28 MLB ERA.
- 490 MLB Strikeouts
EMU Players in the Major Leagues
| Name | Dates Played | MLB Debut |
| Jack Wisner | 1918-19 | 09-12-1919 |
| Roy Parmelee | 1926 | 09-28-1929 |
| Bill Crouch | 1927-28 | 05-09-1939 |
| Johnny Johnson | 1933-35 | 04-19-1944 |
| Jim Snyder | 1961-61 | 09-15-1961 |
| Bob Owchinko | 1973-76 | 09-25-1976 |
| Bob Welch | 1975-77 | 06-20-1978 |
| John Martin | 1975-1978 | 08-27-1980 |
| Pat Sheridan | 1977-79 | 09-16-1981 |
| Glenn Gulliver | 1973-76 | 07-17-1982 |
| Bryan Clutterbuck | 1979-81 | 07-18-1986 |
| Chris Hoiles | 1984-86 | 04-25-1989 |
| Mickey Weston | 1980-82 | 06-18-1989 |
| Ron Rightnowar | 1983-85 | 05-20-1995 |
| Brian Bixler | 1983-85 | 04-06-2008 |
| Matt Shoemaker | 2006-08 | 09-20-2013 |
| Sterling Sharp | 2014 | 08-05-2020 |
| Max Schuemann | 2016-18 | 04-12-2024 |
EMU Drafted or Signed Players into MLB
| Name | Year | RND | OVL | Phase | Draft Team | Pos | Ht | Wt | BA | TH | HILVL | MLB Years | Years Active | Signed |
| Luke Russo | 2023 | 16 | 493 | July-Reg | Philadelphia Phillies | p | 6-4 | 199 | L | R | A- | 2021-24 | Yes | |
| Davis Feldman | 2023 | -- | udfa | Signed | Toronto Blue Jays | p | 6-0 | 195 | R | R | A- | 2016-23 | Yes | |
| Cameron Wagoner | 2022 | 11 | 342 | June-Reg | Milwaukee Brewers | p | 6-5 | 187 | R | R | A+ | -- | 2020-23 | Yes |
| Justin Meis | 2021 | 10 | 283 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | p | 6-2 | 160 | R | R | AA | -- | 2019-24 | Yes |
| Zachary Owings | 2019 | 33 | 981 | June-Reg | Miami Marlins | 1b | 6-1 | 195 | L | R | A+ | -- | 2017-21 | Yes |
| Kyle Huckaby | 2019 | - | udfa | Signed | Toronto Blue Jays | p | 5-10 | 190 | L | R | A- | 2015-22 | Yes | |
| Max Schuemann | 2018 | 20 | 593 | June-Reg | Oakland Athletics | ss-2b | 6-1 | 186 | R | R | MLB | 2024 | 2016-24 | Yes |
| Sam Delaplane | 2017 | 23 | 693 | June-Reg | Seattle Mariners | p | 5-11 | 175 | R | R | AAA | -- | 2014-23 | Yes |
| Sterling Sharp | 2016 | 22 | 664 | June-Reg | Washington Nationals | p | 6-4 | 170 | R | R | MLB | 2020 | 2014-24 | Yes |
| Adam Sonabend | 2014 | -- | udfa | Signed | San Francisco Giants | c | 5-10 | 194 | R | R | AA | -- | 2011-17 | Yes |
| Matt Hitt | 2013 | -- | udfa | Signed | Philadelphia Phillies | c | 6-0 | 190 | R | R | A- | -- | 2011-15 | Yes |
| Steve Weber | 2012 | 33 | 1007 | June-Reg | Miami Marlins | p | 6-6 | 210 | R | R | College | -- | 2010-14 | No |
| Matthew Skirving | 2010 | 30 | 897 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | c-1b | 6-2 | 215 | L | R | A- | -- | 2008-11 | Yes |
| Jimmy Gulliver | 2009 | 20 | 600 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 2b | 5-11 | 175 | L | R | A | -- | 2007-11 | Yes |
| Kyle Rhoad | 2009 | 33 | 994 | June-Reg | Texas Rangers | of | 5-11 | 199 | R | R | A- | -- | 2006-09 | Yes |
| Matt Shoemaker | 2008 | -- | udfa | Signed | Los Angeles Angels | p | 6-2 | 225 | R | R | MLB | 2013-21 | 2006-22 | Yes |
| Dan Puls | 2008 | -- | udfa | Signed | Chicago White Sox | p | 6-7 | 200 | R | L | Rk | 2005-09 | Yes | |
| Jeff Fischer | 2007 | 10 | 312 | June-Reg | Colorado Rockies | p | 6-5 | 200 | R | R | Rk | -- | 2005-09 | Yes |
| Jeff Hehr | 2007 | 20 | 617 | June-Reg | Cleveland Baseball Team | 2b | 6-0 | 180 | R | R | A | -- | 2005-08 | Yes |
| Brian Bixler | 2004 | 2 | 52 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | of | 6-1 | 188 | R | R | MLB | 2008-12 | 2002-14 | Yes |
| Ryan Ford | 2004 | 15 | 457 | June-Reg | Oakland Athletics | p | 6-3 | 180 | L | L | A+ | -- | 2001-09 | Yes |
| Derrick Peterson | 2004 | 20 | 587 | June-Reg | Cleveland Baseball Team | if | 6-3 | 190 | R | R | A | -- | 2001-05 | Yes |
| Ryan Goleski | 2003 | 24 | 708 | June-Reg | Cleveland Baseball Team | 1b | 6-3 | 225 | R | R | AA | -- | 2001-09 | Yes |
| Anthony Tomey | 2003 | 30 | 880 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-4 | 245 | R | R | AAA | -- | 2000-08 | Yes |
| Chris Deshetler | 1999 | -- | udfa | Signed | Detroit Tigers | if | 5-10 | 190 | L | R | Rk | -- | 1999-00 | Yes |
| Michael Aldridge | 1999 | 21 | 651 | June-Reg | New York Yankees | p | 6-5 | 215 | R | R | Rk | -- | 1996-99 | Yes |
| Troy Niehaus | 1998 | 24 | 733 | June-Reg | Arizona Diamondbacks | p | 6-6 | 200 | L | L | Rk | -- | 1998-98 | Yes |
| Gregory Ryan | 1998 | 39 | 1163 | June-Reg | Texas Rangers | 1b | 6-0 | 170 | L | L | Rk | -- | 1996-98 | Yes |
| Seth Kenny | 1998 | -- | udfa | Signed | Oakland Athletics | p | 6-2 | 195 | R | R | A+ | 1996-99 | Yes | |
| Mark Rutherford | 1997 | 12 | 356 | June-Reg | Philadelphia Phillies | p | 6-2 | 195 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1994-03 | Yes |
| Ben Simon | 1996 | 7 | 208 | June-Reg | Los Angeles Dodgers | p | 6-1 | 185 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1994-05 | Yes |
| Don DeDonatis | 1996 | 20 | 581 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | ss | 5-11 | 190 | L | R | A- | -- | 1994-97 | Yes |
| Tim Tessmar | 1995 | 41 | 1141 | June-Reg | New York Mets | 1b | 6-3 | 193 | L | L | A+ | -- | 1993-98 | Yes |
| Sean Kenny | 1993 | 17 | 472 | June-Reg | New York Mets | p | 6-2 | 205 | R | R | A+ | -- | 1993-95 | Yes |
| Jim Bostock | 1993 | 33 | 926 | June-Reg | San Diego Padres | 2b-ss | 6-0 | 170 | L | R | A- | -- | 1993-93 | Yes |
| Mike Wiseley | 1993 | 34 | 949 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | of | 6-0 | 170 | L | R | A+ | -- | 1993-97 | Yes |
| Brandon White | 1992 | 15 | 423 | June-Reg | Los Angeles Dodgers | p | 6-1 | 192 | R | R | A+ | -- | 1991-93 | Yes |
| James Martin | 1991 | 28 | 747 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | p | 6-2 | 200 | L | L | A+ | -- | 1990-93 | Yes |
| Kevin Grijak | 1991 | 29 | 751 | June-Reg | Atlanta Braves | if | 6-1 | 220 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1991-05 | Yes |
| Doug Martin | 1991 | 44 | 1150 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-3 | 200 | R | R | A- | -- | 1991-95 | Yes |
| William Bates | 1989 | 48 | 1231 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | p | 6-2 | 200 | R | R | Rk | -- | 1990-90 | No |
| Mike Lumley | 1988 | 5 | 135 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-1 | 185 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1987-93 | Yes |
| Mickey Delas | 1988 | 12 | 317 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | of | 6-4 | 220 | R | R | A+ | -- | 1988-89 | Yes |
| Brett Roach | 1988 | 16 | 421 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | ss | 6-1 | 190 | R | R | A | -- | 1987-89 | Yes |
| Bert Patton | 1988 | 38 | 993 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-3 | 175 | L | L | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Don Vesling | 1987 | 14 | 365 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-4 | 215 | L | L | AAA | -- | 1986-92 | Yes |
| Jim Trahey | 1987 | 23 | 595 | June-Reg | Toronto Blue Jays | p | 6-2 | 195 | R | R | A- | -- | 1985-87 | Yes |
| AJ Richardson | 1986 | 12 | 295 | June-Reg | Milwaukee Brewers | 2b | 6-3 | 185 | L | R | AA | -- | 1984-90 | Yes |
| Chris Hoiles | 1986 | 19 | 489 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | c | 6-0 | 215 | R | R | MLB | 1989-98 | 1984-98 | Yes |
| Ron Rightnowar | 1986 | -- | udfa | Signed | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-3 | 190 | R | R | MLB | 1995-95 | 1986-95 | Yes |
| Joe Slavik | 1985 | 12 | 314 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-0 | 185 | L | L | A+ | -- | 1983-88 | Yes |
| Glen Kwiatkowski | 1985 | 16 | 417 | June-Reg | Toronto Blue Jays | p | 6-4 | 195 | R | R | Rk | -- | 1983-86 | Yes |
| Ken Spratke | 1984 | 3 | 56 | June-Reg | Seattle Mariners | p | 6-3 | 200 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1982-89 | Yes |
| Rob Sepanek | 1984 | 6 | 151 | June-Reg | Atlanta Braves | 1b | 6-3 | 190 | L | L | AAA | -- | 1982-90 | Yes |
| Greg Howe | 1982 | 3 | 58 | June-Reg | Minnesota Twins | of | 6-3 | 190 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1980-86 | Yes |
| Jim Riggs | 1982 | 4 | 102 | June-Reg | New York Yankees | 3b | 6-1 | 180 | L | R | AA | -- | 1981-87 | Yes |
| Mickey Weston | 1982 | 12 | 293 | June-Reg | New York Mets | p | 6-1 | 187 | R | R | MLB | 1989-93 | 1981-96 | Yes |
| James Irwin | 1982 | 26 | 665 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | of | 6-1 | 185 | R | R | Rk | -- | 1982-82 | Yes |
| Doug Davis | 1981 | 4 | 86 | June-Reg | Texas Rangers | c-3b | 6-0 | 180 | R | R | MLB | 1988-92 | 1982-95 | Yes |
| Bryan Clutterbuck | 1981 | 7 | 176 | June-Reg | Milwaukee Brewers | p | 6-4 | 223 | R | R | MLB | 1986-89 | 1980-95 | Yes |
| Mitch Zwolensky | 1981 | 11 | 268 | June-Reg | Texas Rangers | p | 6-2 | 200 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1980-96 | Yes |
| Bryon Horn | 1981 | 20 | 510 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 2b | 5-8 | 150 | L | R | A+ | -- | 1980-81 | Yes |
| Jay Davisson | 1981 | 22 | 564 | June-Reg | Philadelphia Phillies | p | 6-4 | 255 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1981-85 | Yes |
| Randy Gorgon | 1981 | 26 | 659 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | -- | -- | R | R | College | -- | 1980-81 | No |
| Jon Zureich | 1981 | 32 | 779 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 1b | 6-0 | 170 | L | L | A+ | -- | 1981-82 | Yes |
| Audie Cole | 1980 | 20 | 503 | June-Reg | Los Angeles Dodgers | 1b-of | 6-2 | 190 | R | R | A+ | -- | 1980-81 | Yes |
| Mark Wilkins | 1979 | 1 | 11 | Jan-Reg | Chicago Cubs | p | 6-3 | 200 | R | R | A | -- | 1979-81 | Yes |
| Pat Sheridan | 1979 | 3 | 73 | June-Reg | Kansas City Royals | of | 6-3 | 175 | L | R | MLB | 1981-91 | 1979-91 | Yes |
| Brian Stemberger | 1979 | 13 | 315 | June-Reg | Toronto Blue Jays | ss | 6-4 | 195 | R | R | AA | -- | 1976-83 | Yes |
| Gordon Chretien | 1979 | 14 | 351 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-1 | 195 | R | R | AA | -- | 1979-80 | Yes |
| Audie Cole | 1979 | 23 | 582 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 1b-of | 6-2 | 190 | R | R | A+ | -- | 1980-81 | No |
| Bud Yanus | 1979 | 25 | 627 | June-Reg | Montreal Expos | p | 6-2 | 190 | R | R | AA | -- | 1979-83 | Yes |
| Brian Stemberger | 1978 | 10 | 252 | June-Reg | Chicago White Sox | ss | 6-4 | 195 | R | R | AA | -- | 1976-83 | No |
| Bud Yanus | 1978 | 24 | 581 | June-Reg | Oakland Athletics | p | 6-2 | 190 | R | R | AA | -- | 1979-83 | No |
| John Martin | 1978 | 27 | 637 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-0 | 190 | B | L | MLB | 1980-83 | 1976-90 | Yes |
| Bob Welch | 1977 | 1 | 20 | June-Reg | Los Angeles Dodgers | p | 6-3 | 190 | R | R | MLB | 1978-94 | 1975-94 | Yes |
| Ted Dasen | 1977 | 20 | 495 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 3b | 5-11 | 175 | L | R | AAA | -- | 1974-80 | Yes |
| Dan Schmitz | 1977 | 20 | 512 | June-Reg | New York Yankees | 2b | 5-7 | 150 | L | R | AAA | -- | 1976-84 | Yes |
| Bob Owchinko | 1976 | 1 | 5 | June-Reg | San Diego Padres | p | 6-2 | 195 | L | L | MLB | 1976-86 | 1975-86 | Yes |
| Glenn Gulliver | 1976 | 8 | 170 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | 3b | 5-11 | 175 | L | R | MLB | 1982-83 | 1974-86 | Yes |
| Jerry Keller | 1976 | 10 | 219 | June-Reg | Atlanta Braves | c-1b | 6-4 | 201 | R | R | AAA | -- | 1976-85 | Yes |
| Thomas Boutin | 1976 | 39 | 711 | June-Reg | San Francisco Giants | of | 6-1 | 190 | L | L | College | -- | 1975-76 | Yes |
| Ken Bruchanski | 1975 | -- | udfa | Signed | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-2 | 195 | R | R | AA | -- | 1975-76 | Yes |
| Thomas Ford | 1973 | 1 | 7 | Jan-Reg | Montreal Expos | op | 6-1 | 155 | B | L | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Larry Kinn | 1973 | 11 | 264 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | p | 6-2 | 195 | L | L | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Jay Kuhnie | 1972 | 2 | 31 | Jan-Sec | Chicago White Sox | p | 6-1 | 170 | R | R | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| James Horton | 1971 | 3 | 64 | June-SecD | Oakland Athletics | p | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Alan McLaughlin | 1971 | 9 | 204 | June-Reg | Philadelphia Phillies | 2b | 5-11 | 165 | R | R | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Jay Kuhnie | 1971 | 13 | 296 | June-Reg | Chicago White Sox | p | 6-1 | 170 | R | R | -- | -- | -- | No |
| Terry Collins | 1971 | 19 | 461 | June-Reg | Pittsburgh Pirates | if-of | 5-8 | 160 | L | R | AAA | -- | 1976-84 | Yes |
| Thomas Burkert | 1970 | 16 | 369 | June-Reg | Cleveland Baseball Team | p | 6-0 | 175 | L | L | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Richard Krumm | 1969 | 19 | 451 | June-Reg | Detroit Tigers | p | 6-2 | 180 | R | R | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| William Giffin | 1969 | 23 | 535 | June-Reg | Minnesota Twins | p | 6-0 | 175 | R | R | -- | -- | -- | Yes |
| Jim Snyder | 1952 | -- | udfa | Signed | St. Louis Browns | 2b | 6-1 | 185 | R | R | MLB | 1961-64 | 1961-64 | Yes |
EMU Baseball Players Who Became MLB Stars:
Bob Welch-Starting RHP (1975-77)
- 2 College World Series Appearances with EMU (1975 & 1976)
- Played in the MLB for 16 Years (1978-94)
- 1990 AL Cy Young Winner with Athletics: 27 Wins
- Won 2 World Series with Los Angeles (1981) & Oakland (1989)
- Pitched for Dodgers (1978-19780 & Athletics (1988-1994)
- 2-Time All-Star with Los Angeles (1980) & Oakland (1990)
- Finished in Top 10 in Cy Young Voting Three Times
- 10th on the Dodgers' All-Time Strikeouts List (1,292)
- 8 Playoff Appearances & 5 World Series
- Career Postseason Stats: 3-3 Record & 41 Strikeouts in 17 Games
- Won 15 or More Games in a Season Six Times
- ERA. of 3.50 or Below in a Single Season Eleven Times
- 150 or More Strikeouts in a Season Five Times
- 211-146 MLB Record
- 3.47 MLB ERA.
- 1,969 MLB Strikeouts
Matt Shoemaker-Starting RHP (2005-07)
- 2014 AL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up (Lost to Jose Abreu of White Sox)
- Pitched for Angels (2013-18), Blue Jays (2019-20), and Minnesota Twins (2021)
- Won 16 Games for Anaheim in 2014
- 1 Playoff Appearance with Angels: 2014 ALDS
- Won 7 or More Games in a Single Season Three Times
- ERA. of 4.00 or Below in a Season Four Times
- 100 or More Strikeouts in a Single Season Three Times
- 46-41 MLB Record
- 4.24 MLB ERA.
- 580 MLB Strikeouts
Chris Hoiles-Catcher (1984-1986)
- Played in the MLB for 9 Years (1989-98, all with Orioles)
- 2 ALCS Appearances with Baltimore: 1996 & 1997
- Caught the Orioles' Combined No-Hitter vs. Athletics in 1991
- 2 Playoff Appearances During the 1990's
- Career Postseason Stats: 2 HRs & 3 RBIs in 15 Games
- 15 or More Home Runs in a Single Season Six Times
- 50 or More RBIs in a Season Five Times
- Batted 0.250 or Higher in a Single Season Six Times
- .262 MLB Batting Average
- 151 MLB Home Runs
- 449 MLB RBIs
Bob Owchinko-Starting LHP (1973-1976)
- 2 College World Series Appearances with EMU (1975 & 1976)
- Played in the MLB for 10 Years (1976-86)
- Pitched in 1981 ALCS with Oakland
- Spent 1st Four Seasons with Padres (1976-79)
- 1 Playoff Appearance with Athletics in 1981
- Won 6 or More Games in a Single Season Three Times
- ERA. of 4.00 or Below in a Season Three Times
- 60 or More Strikeouts in a Single Season Six Times
- 37-60 MLB Record
- 4.28 MLB ERA.
- 490 MLB Strikeouts