After a year of ups and downs, right-handed pitcher Jake Tompkins signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, said LSU pitching coach Brady Wiederhold.
Tompkins was drafted in the 32nd round after finishing his career at LSU with a 10-6 record.
LSU Sports Information said terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The native of Auburn, Calif., currently is on the roster for the Phillies’ single A team, the Batavia Muckdogs in Batavia, N.Y.
The Texas Rangers drafted Tompkins in the 28th round in 2002, but he decided to return for his senior season with the Tigers.
In 2002 Tompkins finished with a 7-1 record and an ERA of 2.68, but he went 3-5 in 2003 with a significant jump in his ERA to 5.23.
Wiederhold said he does not think Tompkins regrets returning for his senior year.
“Jake, Bo and Wally had made a pact to come back and go to Omaha,” Wiederhold said.
Bo Pettit and Tompkins did achieve that goal, although Wally Pontiff died in July 2002. The Tigers returned to Omaha this year after a two-year absence.
The Minnesota Twins drafted Pettit in the 29th round this year. Pettit also was selected in an earlier round in 2002.
Wiederhold was unaware if Pettit had signed a contract with the Twins but said he thought Pettit has begun practice with their minor league team.
Wiederhold attributed Tompkins’ selection in the draft to his strong work ethic.
“Jake is a very determined young man,” Wiederhold said. “Even with the ups and downs he was out there everyday trying to get better.”