ATLANTA -- On July 14, former Fighting Owls baseball infielder Robert Phelps was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, held in Atlanta.

The Pittsburgh native has since signed a contract with the Phillies to began his professional baseball career. 

"Rob Phelps was an invaluable piece of our 2023-2024 team and season," said Harford head baseball coach Josh Houser. "He was the catalyst to one of the best offenses in the country, while making highlight plays all over the field."

During his one season (2024) at Harford, Phelps slashed .373/.463/.690 with an on-base plus slugging average of 1.153. In 48 games, he struck out just 14 times while collecting 23 walks, had nine homers, 28 RBIs, 17 doubles and three triples, in addition to stealing 31 bases in 34 attempts (91%).

He had three or more RBIs in five games, including a career-high four on March 22, 2024, against Monroe University. Phelps had a career-high two-homer performance on April 14 versus Prince George's and career best five stolen bases against Lackawanna College on April 21.

Phelps also boasted a .956 fielding percentage, committing just six errors in 137 changes.

"Rob is one of the most polished, well-rounded players I have had the luxury to coach," House said. "Over the year he spent at Harford, he matured on and off the field in different ways that made him into the player he is today. We're excited for him to take the next step and can't wait to watch him have success in the Phillies organization."

Phelps transferred from Harford to Reinhardt University, a Division I NAIA school in Waleska, Ga. and continued to excel. 

His slash line as a member of the Eagles was .350/.460/.603/1.063 in 55 games. With 22 multi-hit games - including four games with four RBIs - he hit 11 homers, drove in 47 runs, had 17 doubles and 2 triples. Phelps continued to accurately gauge the strike zone, drawing 38 walks versus just 22 strikeouts.