Penn's Austin Bossart Hoping To Make Splash In Phillies' Organization

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Catcher is a position of need in the Phillies' organization these days. To help address that need, the Phillies plucked a talent out of their own backyard as they used their 14th round pick in this month's MLB Draft on University of Pennsylvania catcher Austin Bossart.

"It was a little bit of a surprise for me," Bossart told KYW Newsradio on Friday. "They had called me earlier that morning, telling me that they were interested, but I hadn't really heard a lot from them throughout the year. So I really didn't think I was on their radar too much. And then it comes down to the third day (of the draft) and a couple rounds in, I hear my name called. I was just ecstatic."

Listen to the entire interview with Penn's Austin Bossart

Shortly after his interview with KYW Newsradio, Bossart reported to the Williamsport Crosscutters, the Short Season Single-A team in the Phillies' farm system. He made his pro debut on Sunday, going 1-5 with an RBI against State College.

Bossart had a special senior season at Penn, earning Co-Ivy League Player of the Year honors by  hitting .358 with 4 home runs and 27 runs batted in. Maybe even more impressive was his defense, he did not make an error while throwing out 53% of the runners who attempted to steal on him.  The O'Fallon, Illinois, native talks about whether he feels his offensive or defensive game is further along at this point in his career.

"I'd like to think I'm about the same on both planes," Bossart says. "But I've been a defensive catcher most of my life. So the bat's kind of come along the past couple years, so I'm just excited to get both going and improve both."

Bossart started every one of the 157 games he played in during his Penn career and he says it was time very well spent.

"Being a Quaker meant everything to me," Bossart says. "It's basically shaped me into who I am now. I just can't thank my coaching staff enough for all they've done for me. Especially Coach (Mike) Santello, (Head) Coach (John) Yurkow, Coach (Josh) Schwartz. And even Coach (Mark) Royer, he was an assistant here at Penn this past year and he's been great for us. It has been great getting to know all of my teammates and a big shoutout to Ronnie Glenn as well, getting drafted by the Angels (22nd round). I know he's pretty excited as well. We were roommates and best buds back at school. So exciting for both of us."

Bossart and Glenn were the first Quakers to be selected in the MLB Draft since RHP Vince Voiro was taken in the 15th round by Oakland back in 2012.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.