WPIAL Players and Alum Selected in 2012 MLB Draft

By: Bruce Markey
Wednesday, June 6, 2012 | 8:25 PM

After a quiet first day, six current WPIAL seniors and alums were selected in Day Two of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, three of which were picked by the 'hometown' Pittsburgh Pirates. Here is a rundown of area high school players who have the chance to turn pro after being selected Wednesday afternoon.

*  JORDAN STERANKA (6'01" 205-lbs  DOB: 11/14/89) – Former Mount Lebanon Blue Devils and current third baseman from Penn State University selected in 21st Round with the 646th overall pick by the PITTSBURGH PIRATES

*  JIMMY RIDER (5'08" 175-lbs  DOB: 05/09/90) – Former Peters Township Indians shortstop and current second baseman from Kent State University selected in 26th Round with the 796th overall pick by the PITTSBURGH PIRATES 

*  KYLE HELISEK (6'00" 170-lbs  DOB: 04/23/90) – Former Seneca Valley Raiders left-handed pitcher from Villanova University selected in 30th Round with the 930th overall pick by the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

*  JORDAN JANKOWSKI (6'00" 195-lbs  DOB: 05/17/89) – Former Peters Township Indians right-handed pitcher from Catawba College selected in 34th Round with the 1,029 pick by the HOUSTON ASTROS

*  JOHN SANSONE (5'11" 195-lbs  DOB: 09/15/93) – Current Neshannock Lancers shortstop selected in the 39th Round with the 1,204 pick by the DETROIT TIGERS

*  ZARLEY ZALEWSKI (6'03" 185-lbs  DOB: 10/06/93) – Current Valley Vikings third baseman selected in the 40th Round with the 1,216 pick by the PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Tags: Valley