Baseball | June 7, 2019

PHILADELPHIA - Former La Salle University baseball pitcher Connor Hinchliffe signed a deal with the hometown Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

"I'm incredibly grateful to play professional baseball," described Hinchliffe. "A year ago this was something I never thought was possible, and to be given the opportunity to play for the hometown Phillies is amazing. I can't wait to wear the Philadelphia 'P' on my chest."

Hinchliffe came into his own as one of the top closers in college baseball during his senior season with the Explorers. He tied the school record for saves with 13 this past season, tying Pat Christensen, who was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2013.

The right-hander was recently named Atlantic 10 Conference All-Academic, Philadelphia Big 5 Student-Athlete of the Year, All-Big 5, Big 5 All-Academic and Philadelphia Baseball Review Reliever of the Year. During the year, he was also named to the Golden Spikes Award and NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award watch lists.

Hinchliffe, who began his La Salle career as an outfielder, led the Atlantic 10 with 28 appearances out of the bullpen and was among the national leaders in saves all season long. He led the Explorers with a 2.27 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP while holding opponents to just a .181 batting average.

The Pottsville, Pa., native struck out 40 batters this season, and his 28 appearances were tied for second most in single season program history. He transitioned from the outfield to the mound in 2018 as a junior where he went 1-0 with a save and 22 strikeouts over 16 appearances, including one start. His 14 career saves also rank third in the program.