Former Alabama State University right-handed pitcher Tyler Howe signed a free-agent contract with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to continue the game that I love,” Howe said. “When I received the phone call I was speechless. It’s a dream come true. During the season I really did not think about things like making it to the next level. My main focus last year was to lead a very talented team to another championship and to protect our title we won the year before. This is certainly a dream come true.”
Howe, who was selected the 2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Pitcher of the Year and to the SWAC All-Tournament team, led the team in victories after posting an 8-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 14 starts last season. He finished with three complete games and fanned 103 batters in 95.0 innings pitched.
The Lakeland, Fla. native became Alabama State’s all-time record holder in strikeouts in a win over Alcorn State and wrapped up his collegiate career with 289 total strikeouts. Howe finished second in the conference and 22nd nationally in complete games. In addition, he ranked second in the SWAC in strikeouts and third in strikeouts per nine innings.
“Tyler Howe really deserves this opportunity,” Alabama State head coach Jose Vazquez` said. “He was outstanding for us and had an outstanding career at Alabama State. I am truly happy for him and about the opportunity he has received to continue his baseball career.”
Howe joins Austin Bizzle off the 2017 team that will continue their baseball careers at the professional level. Bizzle, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins, is playing in the Gulf Coast League. Howe will also be playing in the Gulf Coast League for the West Tigers in Lakeland, Fla.
Courtesy Alabama State Sports Information