Local Sports
Howe drafted by Mets
CLINTON — Northeast High School graduate and rural Clinton native Tyler Howe was drafted in the 41st round by the New York Mets Friday.
Howe, 22, who just completed his senior season at the University of Kentucky, was chosen as a catcher.
He will sign in the coming week in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where he will attend a mini-camp for the Mets’ draft picks.
“I’m pretty fired up,” Howe said in a phone interview Friday evening. “I’m ready to get started. I’m ecstatic to get drafted.”
Howe, who has also been a longtime pitcher, is happy to get the opportunity to catch as a pro.
“Most teams were talking to me about pitching,” he said. “I’m excited to be able to catch and get the chance to hit.”
Howe, who starred at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids before moving on to Kentucky, said he will be back home in Iowa this weekend before heading to Florida.
“Monday I’ll leave for Port St. Lucie and Wednesday morning I’ll sign my contract,” said Howe, the son of Jeff and Teri Howe and grandson of John Howe who played in the Chicago Cubs organization. “After mini-camp they’ll ship me out to rookie ball or low-A ball. I’ll likely either stay in Florida or go to one of their low-A or rookie ball teams in Tennessee or Brooklyn, N.Y.”
Howe feels things have worked out well for him.
“All the hard work through all the years is paying off,” he said. “I’m glad I had four years of college. I only have three classes to go to get my four-year degree. It’s all worked out for the best.”
Howe won’t have to adjust to the wood bats used in pro ball, having played in wooden bat leagues in the summer the past three years.
“I feel ready for the next step,” he said.
Howe, a left-handed hitter, had a .290 batting average in 47 games for Kentucky this past season, helping the Wildcats to a record-setting 44-19 campaign in which they were nationally ranked.
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