Knights in the Pros: John O’Reilly joins Pirates organization

Ace starting pitcher John O’Reilly has joined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. O’Reilly joins Nick Matera and Jawuan Harris, who were both drafted, as the third member of the 2018 Scarlet Knights baseball team to continue his baseball playing career with a Major League Baseball affiliate. John was the team’s number one starter on the mound each of the last two seasons, regularly drawing the opposition’s best starter in Friday night series openers. He led the 2018 ballclub in wins (five), starts, and complete games, finishing second in strikeouts.

It’s unclear where he will begin his professional journey as the Pirates have affiliates in West Virginia, Bristol, and Bradenton plus other rookie league teams.

The Northvale, New Jersey native attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan before becoming a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. His Head Coach Joe Litterio indicated, “He’s been a bulldog for us for the past four seasons.” The reliable O’Reilly toed the rubber with 49 starts, second in program history. He is also fourth with 300.2 innings pitched and seventh with 174 strikeouts.

Good luck John!