Panthers called to the Major Leagues

Two Panthers were drafted by Major League Baseball (MLB) earlier this week.

Jose Behar

Former backstop Jose Behar was picked by the Florida Marlins in the 30th round of the 2011 MLB First-Year Player draft Tuesday. Junior third baseman Jeremy Patton was drafted in the 38th round by his hometown St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday.

“It’s an honor to be drafted,” Behar said. “It’s something I’ve been working for since I started playing baseball but it’s just a stepping stone to where I want to be.”

Behar helped lead FIU to its second-consecutive NCAA Regional appearance hitting .330 (61-for-185) with five home runs and 31 RBI. Behind the plate, Behar also threw out 20-of-36 would-be base stealers.

Jeremy Patton

Patton is a career .361 (169-for-468) hitter in his two years at FIU, totaling 15 home runs and 98 RBI. In 2010 he was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

In 2011, Patton earned First-Team All-Conference honors as well as playing his way back onto the All-Tournament team, hitting a tournament-high .625 with a home run and eight runs scored.