Cory Luebke
From BR Bullpen
Cory Robert Luebke
- Bats Right, Throws Left
- Height 6' 4", Weight 215 lb.
- School Ohio State University
- High School Marion Local High School
- Born March 4, 1985 in Coldwater, OH USA
Cory Luebke was a supplemental first-round draft pick (63rd overall) in the 2007 amateur draft. That selection marked the third time Cory was chosen in the draft after being taken by the Pirates in the 18th round in 2004 and by the Rangers in the 22nd round in 2006.
Luebke struck out 301 batters during his high school career. As a senior, he fanned 119 and walked 11 in 50 innings, posting a .42 ERA. The Pittsburgh Pirates chose him in the 18th round of the 2004 amateur draft. He was 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA as a college freshman, then was 7-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 2006 as a sophomore. He was selected in the 22nd round of the 2006 amateur draft. With the Falmouth Commodores that summer, he went 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Cory blossomed as a junior, going 9-1 with a 2.07 ERA. He led the Big Ten Conference in ERA, innings (117 2/3) and strikeouts (98). He made the All-Conference team and was named the Pitcher of the Year. The San Diego Padres chose him 63rd overall in the 2007 amateur draft, a supplemental first-rounder; he was the first first-rounder from Ohio State since Nick Swisher. The pick was compensation for the loss of Alan Embree to free agency.
Cory split 2007 between the Eugene Emeralds (3-0, 1.46), the Fort Wayne Wizards (1-2, 3.33) and the Lake Elsinore Storm (1-1, 7.71). He struck out 61 and walked 8 in 58 2/3 IP overall. In 2008, he pitched for Fort Wayne (3-3, 2.89) and Lake Elsinore (3-6, 6.84).
Luebke spent 2009 with Lake Elsinore (8-2, 2.34) and the San Antonio Missions (3-2, 3.70). He then joined Team USA for the 2009 Baseball World Cup.
