A Strategic Choice
Ty Van Valkenburg, a standout pitcher from Saugerties High, was not selected in the recent MLB Draft, prompting him to forgo a professional contract and instead enroll at the University of Miami to further refine his game.
During the pre‑draft process he worked out with several major league clubs, including the Texas Rangers, the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs, but ultimately concluded that focusing on his collegiate development would best serve his long‑term goals.
Excitement for the Next Chapter
Van Valkenburg expressed enthusiasm for the facilities and academic resources at Miami, highlighting the program’s reputation and the opportunity to train in a competitive environment.
He will be guided by head coach J.D. Arteaga, a mentor who has helped nearly 50 pitchers earn MLB draft selections, adding a layer of professional insight to his college experience.
High School Highlights
In his senior season he finished with a 3‑0 record and a 0.91 earned run average, striking out 19 batters while allowing just two hits in his final appearance.
At the plate he contributed three home runs, 12 doubles and a triple, drove in 17 runs and posted a .422 batting average with a .781 slugging percentage.