Vero Beach, FL - Former PG standout Joel Hanrahan threw a nine inning no-hitter Sunday. Hanrahan who played in PG Wood Bat Leagues and attended several PG Showcases from 98 to 00 was a 2nd round pick by the Dodgers in 2000. Former Big League outfielder Mitch Webster signed him.
Hanrahan and Outfielder Chris Tritle were ranked the top prospects out of Iowa that year and both are already ranked top prospects in their organizations. Tritle is with Oakland and was named the Top Prospect and MVP of the Arizona Rookie League last year. He led the league in both HR's and S.B.s and was among the league leaders in all offensive categories. Hanrahan who features a plus fastball and big power slider spent last year leading the Dodgers club at Wilmington in Innings pitched and Strikeouts.
Hanrahan's no-no was the first for Vero Beach since Felix Rodriguez threw one in 1993. Joel walked 3 and recorded 6 strikeouts in the 5-0 victory. Some of his family were there to see it all happen.
A few other top PG performers in Pro Ball
Former PG World Showcase player Joe Torres has thrown 16 innings this year without giving up an earned run for the Angels A club in Cedar Rapids. Two other former PG players, centerfielder Ransel Malgarejo and 1st Baseman Casey Kotchman are on the same team. Kotchman is hitting around .300 and Malgarejo is leading the league in hitting.
With hundreds of former players now in professional baseball it's hard to follow them all. Periodically we will pass on some information about these players on this website.