Williamsburg, KY – UC pitcher, Kailen Hamson, has been drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the 244^th pick of the eighth round in 2025 MLB Draft on Monday afternoon. Hamson becomes the highest drafted player in program history.
 
"I am so happy for Kailen," said Head Coach Brad Shelton. "He has worked very hard since he arrived at UC and just got better and better each time out."
 
Hamson had a break-out year in his final season with the Pats. The left-handed pitcher earned numerous achievements including NAIA Second Team All-American, MSC Pitcher of the Year, MSC First Team All-Conference, NAIA Pitcher of the Week, and 2x MSC Pitcher of the Week. The Gold Coast, Australia native compiled an impressive 11-1 record to lead the conference and finished second in ERA with a 2.83. Hamson broke the program record for single season strikeouts with 127 and is fourth in career strikeouts with 206.
 
"He was a great teammate and helped lead our team to the World Series. I believe we will see him in the big leagues very soon."
 
In two seasons with the Patriots, Hamson posted a combined 16-2 record in 20 games started. His mix of velocity and off-speed pitches constantly put hitters off balance, generating a .227 opponent batting average.
 
Hamson transferred from Three Rivers Community College before arriving at UC.
 
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