Recent signees up total to 20 Bears active in pro baseball

With Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game last night signifying the mid-point of the 2009 season, this seems like an appropriate time to take a look at the 20 Baylor players active in professional baseball.

Those who follow Baylor Proud on Twitter read about Drew Sutton’s promotion to the big leagues earlier this month with the Cincinnati Reds; in his first big league at-bat, Sutton drove in the tying run in the 9th inning (video link) in a game the Reds would go on to win in 10 innings. Sutton has since been returned to Triple-A Louisville, where he is joined by fellow Bears Michael Griffin and Kip Wells.

Three other former Baylor players are also a step away from the big leagues: Kevin Russo (Yankees), Mark Saccomanno (Astros) and Abe Woody (Diamondbacks). Cory VanAllen is at Double-A for the Nationals, while 10 Bears are active at lower levels of the minors: Nick Cassavechia (Tigers), Dustin Dickerson (Marlins), Seth Fortenberry (Yankees), Shaver Hansen (Mariners), Randall Linebaugh (Reds), Jeff Mandel (Nationals), Aaron Miller (Dodgers), Mace Thurman (Reds), Trey Webb (Giants) and Beamer Weems (Padres).

And of course, Jason Jennings (Rangers), David Murphy (Rangers) and Kelly Shoppach (Indians) continue to carry the Baylor banner in the major leagues.

Sic ’em, Bears in the pros!