For the eighth time in 11 years, multiple Elon baseball players heard their name called during the Major League Baseball Draft, this year held in Secaucus, New Jersey, from June 4 through June 6.  

The dream of a lifetime was realized on the second day of the draft when junior right-handed pitcher Ryan Conroy was selected in the eighth round (pick 235 overall) of the Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.

The Phoenix righty tossed his way to a 4-3 record in 17 appearances in the 2018 season. He owned a career low 3.29 earned run average over those games and racked up 67 strikeouts. In his three years at Elon, Conroy has found his way to a 12-12 record with a 4.09 ERA and 163 total strikeouts.

Before coming to Elon, the Rotonda West, Florida, native found his collegiate career in jeopardy when he had to get Tommy John surgery. But then, as he said in a press release, “Coach (Mike) Kennedy and Elon took a chance on me.” Conroy added “they pushed me to get better for the past three years. Now I have the blessing of beginning a professional with the Baltimore Orioles. Without Elon, my family and my teammates, I wouldn't be here."

The draft became even sweeter for the Phoenix when junior second baseman Ryne Ogren was drafted by the Seattle Mariners on June 6 in the 12th round (pick 358 overall).

The Elon middle infielder started 167 games over three years, batting an impressive .328 and adding 119 runs batted in. Ogren has had three very consistent years, but he has shown an improved presence at the plate, more than doubling his walks this past year.

In a press release, Ogren called the chance to play in the Mariners organization “an amazing opportunity,” adding, “I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches. They helped shape me into the player I am today."

The Orioles, who drafted Conroy, were founded in 1954. They play in Orioles Park at Camden Yards. They currently hold a record of 19-41, in last place in the American League East.

The Mariners, who drafted Ogren, were fouded in 1977. They play in Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. They are currently in first place in the American League West with a 38-23 record.