D-III Pitcher of the Year Eisenberg drafted in the eighth round by the Cleveland Indians
Junior is first Pioneer drafted since Dave Bradley in 1999

June 7, 2006
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College junior Mike Eisenberg (Coral Gables, Fla./Bullis (Md.)) nervously awaited Tuesday (June 6) afternoon's Major League Baseball draft. The NCAA Division III Pitcher of the Year did not have to wait long, as he was selected in the eighth round by the Cleveland Indians.

Eisenberg, selected 251st overall, becomes the first Pioneer drafted since Dave Bradley was a 14th round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 1999.

Now coach Brian Brewer and the D-III National Champion Etta Express are forced to nervously wait, as Eisenberg weighs his options. Eisenberg, a rising senior, could return to Marietta or sign with the Tribe. If he chooses to sign, Eisenberg would most likely be assigned to the short-season Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers or the rookie-league Burlington Indians.

"We are extremely proud of Mike and this accomplishment," Brewer said. "Of course we would love to have Mike as our ace in the spring, but we also understand that this is a tough decision and one that the baseball program will fully support."

Eisenberg, the highest drafted D-III player, received a trophy case full of awards this season. The lanky, hard-throwing right-hander was named Co-MVP of the World Series, first team All-OAC, first team All-Region, Mideast Region Pitcher of the Year, and a first team All-American. He was also named to the All-OAC Tournament, All-Mideast Region Tournament and World Series All-Tournament teams.

Eisenberg finished the season with a 13-2 record, which tied him for most victories in DIII level. On the year, he made 21 appearances, started 16 games and worked 115 innings. Eisenberg allowed just 28 runs (17 earned for a 1.33 earned run average) on 70 hits, while walking 35 and striking out 138. The 138 strikeouts tied him with 2003 graduate Matt DeSalvo for third on MC's all-time list.

DeSalvo, a 2003 non-drafted free agent signing of the New York Yankees, holds the top two marks (205 and 157). He is currently pitching with the Columbus Clippers in Class AAA.

The Cleveland Indians are currently 28-29 and in third place in the American League Central, 8 1/2 games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers.  

Marietta went 4-0 and won the program's fourth NCAA Division III National Championship on May 30 after a 7-2 victory over Wheaton (Mass.) in the Championship Game at Fox Cities Stadium in Grande Chute, Wis.

The Etta Express, which won three national titles in the 1980s under the direction of the late Don Schaly, waited 20 years for the fourth title. Only Eastern Connecticut State has equaled Marietta's four crowns. The Pioneers also won the title in 1981, 1983 and 1986. It was the first time the Etta Express captured the nation's top prize away from the friendly confines of Marietta, Ohio.