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In our new weekly feature, we take a look into some of the top five lists from the history of Eastern Illinois Athletics. These lists are based on actual ranking by the statistic or category listed with quick information on each of those on the Top 5 ranking
 
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This week looks at the Top 5 Major League Draft Picks in EIU Baseball history.  The list is based on overall selection in the draft.  

Tim Pyznarski, 15th Overall (1981): Pyznarski was a 6' 2" infielder for Eastern Illinois in the late 1970's. The Chicago native was awarded two NCAA D II All-American selections in 1980 and 1981. His 1981 season, Pyznarski managed 77 hits in a season, along with 78 RBI which ranks first in Eastern Illinois history to this day. Besides having the most RBI in a single season for EIU, he also holds the single season record for total bases with 156, and the most home runs in a single season with 22 in 1981. Pyznarski holds the second highest batting average over a career with the Panthers, as he notched .379 from 1979-1981. Pyznarski was drafted to by the Oakland Athletics. He played 15 games in the MLB for the San Diego Padres 1986.

Stan Royer, 16th Overall (1988): Royer was a 6' 3" infielder who played his high school ball at Charleston High School. After being selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round of the MLB Draft out of high school, Royer decided to play for Eastern Illinois and up his draft stock. Royer was an honorable mention for a D I All- American selection at third base. Royer's power at the plate credited him with 34 home runs in his career at EIU, and 151 RBI. Royer was drafted by the Oakland Athletics. He played four years in the MLB for St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox.

Tyler Kehrer, 48th Overall (2009): Kehrer was  6'3" left-handed starting pitcher who was selected in the Comp A round of the 2009 MLB Draft.  He was selected as the 48th overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels.  Kehrer struck out 185 batters in three seasons for the Panthers and was the starter in the 2008 NCAA Regional against Oral Roberts.  He woudl pitch four seasons in the minor leagues posting 13 wins, seven saves and 257 strike outs.  

Jeff Gossett, 107th Overall (1978): Gossett was a 6' 3" infielder for the Panthers in the 1970's. Gossett was a two-time D II All-American selection at shortstop. Gossett is tied for the most triples in a single season with seven in 1978.  He managed 14 total triples in his career which ranks as the second most in EIU's history. He was drafted by the New York Mets. He played two years in the minors  Gossett, a native of Charleston, Ill., went on to an All-Pro career as a punter in the National Football League.

Will Klein, 135th Overall (2020): Klein was a 6'5" hard throwing right-handed pitcher for the Panthers.  He emerged as a top prospect pitching in the Northwoods League during the summer of 2019 and moved from a bullpen role with EIU to a front of the rotation starter in the shortened 2020 season.  Klein was the only Ohio Valley Conference player selected in the 2020 draft that consisted of only five rounds.  He was the 135th overall pick by the Kansas City Royals.  Due to the cancelation of the minor league baseball season, Klein has not yet made his professional baseball debut.