Written by Don K. Clements

Over the years most ministers have had conversations with proud mamas and papas who want to tell you how wonderful one of their kids is. Most of us have done the same thing ourselves.

But seldom is it from the parent of a college baseball player who is about to be a prospect in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft the very next week – and the minister she is talking to has been a baseball junky for nearly 60 years.

Such was the scenario Sunday morning in the sanctuary of Hope Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, VA. One of the regular attending couples in the church (their membership is still back in a PCA church in North Carolina) is Mark and Debbie Heath. Debbie grew up in First Presbyterian Church, Stanley, NC and since their marriage she and Mark have been members of several different PCA churches as work assignments moved them around.

via Penn State’s Catcher Ben Heath ready for MLB draft.

WICHITA, Kan. – Penn State junior Ben Heath (Huntersville, N.C.) was one of 53 Division I catchers named to the Watch List for the Coleman Company Johnny Bench Award delivered by Papa John's Pizza, as announced by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission on Monday. Named in honor of the former Cincinnati Reds' great, the award is presented to the top catcher in Division I.

Heath is one of five Big Ten catchers named to the list. The field will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists, whom will be announced on May 19. Three finalists will be announced on June 2 prior to the NCAA Regionals and Major League Baseball Draft. All finalists will be brought to Wichita and the winner will be announced at the 13th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on July 1.

via Ben Heath Named To Johnny Bench Award Watch List – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE.

With a 2-1 record, one would have thought that PSU could have gotten more than one guy named to the 29 man squad, but so be it.

Here’s the complete team as named by CollegeBaseball360.com.

Penn State Baseball Well-Represented in Collegiate Summer Leagues – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Nittany Lion Baseball Upsets No. 21 Minnesota, 10-8, to Spoil Gophers’ Title Hopes – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Palen’s Four-Inning Hitless Outing Not Enough in Nittany Lions’ 10-5 Loss to Villanova – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Penn State Powers Past Hawkeyes – IOWA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Penn State Bats Ignite as Nittany Lions Baseball Topples Hawkeyes, 8-6 – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Michigan State Edges Penn State Baseball, 6-5 – PENN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE via kwout

Spartans Dedicate McLane Baseball Stadium; Down Penn State, 9-1 / WILX News 10 Lansing/Jackson-Sports, home of the Sports Biltz and Staudt on Sports via kwout