CLEARWATER, Fla. – Former West Chester University left-handed pitcher,
Braeden Fausnaught (Danville, Pa./Danville), is expected to sign a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. The Golden Rams' ace of their starting rotation will begin his pro career with the development team in the Florida Complex League.
"It is just an awesome feeling," Fausnaught said when reached at his home in Danville. "I grew up rooting for the Phillies and watching Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee. I don't know if I modeled my game after them. But, I certainly looked up to them and admired how they pitched."
Fausnaught was the catalyst for West Chester's run to the Atlantic Region title and another trip to the NCAA Division II National Championships in Cary, N.C. He posted a 2-0 record with a 2.70 earned-run average in the Atlantic Regionals while striking out 23 batters in 20 innings. He made one more start and two more appearances at the national finals – both against the nation's No. 1-ranked team in the country and eventual national champion, North Greenville. He struck out a combined nine batters in 8.2 innings against the Crusaders, allowing three runs on six hits overall.
"I am absolutely thrilled for Braeden as he has worked so hard over the past couple years to not only become one of the elite pitchers in Division II, but now has earned a professional contract with his hometown Phillies," second-year head coach of the West Chester Golden Rams,
Mike LaRosa said. "There is nobody more deserving of this opportunity and having watched his development and growth over the past couple of seasons, I know he will continue to develop, and that his future as a professional baseball player will be a bright one."
Fausnaught broke several single-season school records during a breakout senior campaign on South Campus, including starts (18), innings pitched (104) and strikeouts (130). He is the only Golden Rams hurler to register more than 100 strikeouts in one season. He walked just 43 batters on the year and posted a WHIP of 1.25 while going 9-3 with a 3.29 ERA.
"This is the culmination of everything I've worked for over the past six or seven years," Fausnaught continued. "It's what you dream about as a kid in Little League. But, now that the day is here, and I'm going to sign, is just a feeling that I can't describe. It's been a whirlwind the past few days.
"I texted the Phillies scout earlier in the day (Thursday), and he said he was working on (getting me a contract). And then he called me back a few hours later and said he had a contract for me to sign. It's just been unbelievable."
Since the Golden Rams' college season ended on June 9 at the U.S. Baseball National Training Center, Fausnaught has continued chasing his dream after getting into the MLB Draft League and throwing for the Trenton Thunder. There, Fausnaught was 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in six appearances and 11 innings pitched. He made two starts. That experience is what Fausnaught believes helped him in his development.
"I just knew that I had to keep pitching," Fausnaught explained. "I needed that opportunity to challenge myself and see what I could do against better competition."
When he arrives at BayCare Ballpark – the Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training facility – he will have the biggest challenge yet ahead of him for sure. This time as a professional baseball player.
