West Virginia
5 West Virginia Black Bears taken in 2024 MLB Draft
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Five players from the 2024 West Virginia Black Bears heard their names called during this year’s MLB Draft, the team announced Tuesday. This marks 32 total players who have been selected from the team since the organization joined the MLB Draft League in 2021.
Ryan Lambert, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma was the highest player taken from the 2024 Black Bears team as the New York Mets took him in the eighth round at 233rd overall. Just 13 picks later, teammate Ethan Sloan was selected in the eighth round at 246th overall by the Detroit Tigers.
Also drafted from the 2024 Black Bears was right-handed pitcher Blake Shepardson, who was taken in the 11th round, 319th overall by the Chicago White Sox, right-handed pitcher Eric Loomis, who was taken in the 16th round, 495th overall by the Texas Rangers and outfielder Andrew Patrick, who was taken in the 17th round, 504th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On top of the players selected from the Black Bears’ 2024 roster, six former Black Bears were also taken including right-handed pitcher L.P. Langevin, who became the first MLB Draft League player—active or alumni—taken in this year’s draft in the fourth round at 105th overall by the Kansas City Royals.
Other former Black Bears taken this year include:
- Sam Antonaci—Chicago White Sox (5th round, 140th overall)
- Peyton Olejnil—Los Angeles Angels (6th round, 172nd overall)
- Ryan Schiefer—Tampa Bay Rays (14th round, 426th overall)
- Ben Hartl—Texas Rangers (14th round, 435th overall)
- Ryan Degges—Philadelphia Phillies (17th round, 522nd overall)
Overall 52 current and former MLB Draft League players heard their names called during this year’s draft, the most in league history, according to the team. 36 of those players were from active rosters and included 19 pitchers and 17 position players.
West Virginia
West Virginia state song ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ becomes World Cup anthem
West Virginia
‘We cannot wait’: West Virginia Dems call for special session to address school funding
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers say public education is facing a growing financial crisis, echoing warnings from state school officials.
“We have officially as House Democrats requested a special session. We can not wait,” Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said. “If we wait to the legislative session, there will be more schools that close.”
Democrats want to change the enrollment based school aid formula, place guardrails on the Hope Scholarship and increase the minimum starting salary for teachers.
More than 100 West Virginia schools have closed over the last 15 years. Most of those closings have involved elementary schools impacting neighborhoods and small towns.
Democrats said 20 more schools are on the chopping block.
Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey recognizes formula changes may be needed but did not seem in a rush when interviewed prior to the Democrats’ announcement.
“Well, we will look at them,” Morrisey said Thursday. “We want to find ways to solve the root causes of the problem. That’s what matters.”
Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, called for Morrisey to take action, arguing education issues can’t wait until next year.
“Once he gets his fair share of funnel cake and the Ferris wheel is packed off and goes to the next town, it’s time for us to get back to work, governor,” Pushkin said. “Call us back into special session. This cannot wait until the next session. We are in a crisis mode right now. We’ve got to save our schools and save our communities. We’re ready to get back to work and take up these important pieces of legislation.”
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
State education officials recently warned some county school systems could be headed toward financial insolvency without additional funding.
West Virginia
Fire in Barbour County leaves four dead – WV MetroNews
Four people died in a fire at this mobile home in Junior PHOTO: Alan Coberly
JUNIOR, W.Va. — A late night fire in Barbour County has claimed the lives of four people.
The State Fire Marshal confirms the four adults died in the blaze at a home in the town of Junior. The fire department was alerted just before 11 p.m. Wednesday. They arrived to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames along River Avenue in the town.
The fire was out in 15 minutes and the bodies discovered.
The Fire Marshal has investigators on scene. All four victims were adults, but further information is not known.
-
Videos20 minutes agoIran gets ready for Khamenei’s funeral • FRANCE 24 English
-
Los Angeles, Ca32 minutes ago2 arrested after 3 LASD deputies injured during East L.A. World Cup celebration
-
Detroit, MI50 minutes agoEx-girlfriend in custody after Taylor man found fatally stabbed, police say
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoMarina braces for Golden Gate Bridge fireworks show, massive crowds
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoMaradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to auction in Dallas
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoMiami-Dade sheriff urges residents to celebrate Fourth of July safely
-
Boston, MA1 hour agoJaylen Brown says Celtics showed ‘lack of respect’ after trade to 76ers – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoWho are the Top 5 offensive linemen in Denver Broncos history?