DETROIT-- The Detroit Tigers started Saturday with only one Verlander in their organization. But the number doubled during the 14th round of the MLB draft, when the Tiger's drafted Justin's younger brother, Ben.
Ben Verlander was the 426th overall pick. He was previously selected by the team in the 46th round in 2010.
Ben's older brother Justin is the Monarchs all-time strikeout leader with 427 in 325 innings. He was the second overall pick of the first round in the 2004 draft.
Ben, who was named first team All-CAA and was a semifinalist for the Gregg Olson Award, which is awarded to college baseball's top player who elevates his game to an elite level throughout the season, ranked eighth in the CAA in hitting at .367, third in homers with 11 and led ODU in runs scored with 46, along with four triples and 13 stolen bases.
Verlander was also named the team MVP.
It is not clear if Verlander will forego his senior season at ODU. When asked that question before the draft, he told Tom Robinson of The Virginian-Pilot, "I do love playing at Old Dominion. But if the right thing comes along, it's been my dream to play in the major leagues all my life. And I'm going to do what helps me achieve my dream."
ODU junior left-handed starter Ryan Yarbrough was also selected in Saturday's Major League Baseball draft. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Yarbrough int the 20th round.
Yarbrough tied for the team lead with 13 starts as he compiled a 4-4 record, including a complete game four-hit shutout over NCAA participant William and Mary. He fanned eight batters in six innings against Hofstra and saved a game in relief at James Madison. He fanned 60 batters in 82.2 innings of work.
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