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Wilmington's Henyan Signs with Philadelphia Phillies

June 8, 2005

Courtesy of Jack Ireland, Wilmington News Journal

New Castle, DE - It was a Memorial Day weekend Wilmington College baseball star Pete Henyan and his family won't soon forget.

Last Saturday, Henyan attended the wedding of his sister Ashley, the swimming coach at Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

On Monday, Henyan, the Wildcats' ace pitcher, signed a free-agent contract with the Phillies.

Henyan signed shortly after having a workout for Phillies local area scout Paul Murphy at Wilson Field in New Castle.

Murphy said that as a fifth-year graduating senior, Henyan had until midnight Monday (a week before the June 7-8 amateur draft) to sign as a free agent.

Henyan was a pitcher and third baseman at Wilmington. He was voted the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2004 and 2005. He was signed by the Phils as a pitcher.

"It was quite a holiday weekend, that's for sure," said Henyan, who was

6-2 with a 2.69 ERA for the Wildcats this spring. "I don't know how my parents [Doug and Joann Henyan] will deal with this on top of the wedding. They are very excited. Even though I'm from Corning, N.Y., I actually was a Phillies' fan growing up. My dad always was too and I saw my very first professional game with him at the old Veterans Stadium."

Henyan had a 13-6 career record for the Wildcats. He transferred to Wilmington from NCAA Division III Virginia Wesleyan in 2003. When he wasn't on the mound, he hit .347 with 11 doubles, two triples, a homer and 30 RBI as a third baseman.

"I signed as a free agent because I wanted to go with the Phillies,"

said Henyan, who noted the Dodgers and Padres were also talking about possibly taking him in the draft.

Henyan reports to the Phillies' minor league complex in Clearwater, Fla., on June 12.

"Pete has been extremely successful in college and is very competitive,"

said Murphy, former manager of the Stahl Post American Legion team and the Grand Slam Diamonds of the 18-and-under NABF League. "He showed me an average fastball and an average breaking ball. Again, though, I point out he has won and is the kind of guy we want in our minor-league system. I think he will do well. He seems to be a very focused, hard working, blue collar-type player."

Henyan was a shortstop at Corning East High and didn't start pitching until he asked former coach Matt Brainard (now the coach West Chester

University) for a chance his sophomore year.

That year he was 3-2 (3.15 ERA) and pitched a no-hitter. Last year, Henyan was 4-2 with 88 strikeouts. His 1.52 ERA was fifth best in the NCAA Division II.

Henyan pitched in 12 games (10 starts) this season. He threw 67 innings and led the CACC in strikeouts (88), Opposing teams hit just .230 against him.

In his last start for Local 74 of the Delaware Semi-Pro League on May 24, he pitched a one-hit, 2-0 shutout.

"I'm thankful to play for two coaches like Matt (Brainard) and Brian (August)," Henyan said.

Contact Jack Ireland at 324-2808 or