Ian Korn, a member of the 2022 Tarp Skunks, was drafted in the 10th round with the 299th pick of the draft by the San Francisco Giants, while Ryan Bilka, a member of the 2023 Tarp Skunks, was taken four picks later with the 303rd pick by the Cleveland Guardians.

“This is a day we’ve been waiting six years for and it’s an incredibly proud moment for our entire organization. This is a testament to the hard work our coaches, staff and community have put into helping our players grow both on and off the field,” said Christian Dolce, Tarp Skunks general manager. “Developing players and providing them with a first-class experience has always been one of our top priorities, and it’s rewarding to see that commitment pay off.”

Korn appeared in seven games for Jamestown in the summer of 2022 after his freshman season at Seton Hill University. In seven starts, the right-hander went 3-4 with a 4.93 earned run average, striking out 25 and walking 11 in 34 2-3 innings. He then pitched three more seasons at Seton Hill.

“Ian Korn was outstanding every time he took the mound and it was clear that he had the talent and work ethic to compete at the next level,” Dolce said. “What made Ian even more special though was the way he embraced the Jamestown community. He was always willing to spend time with fans, participate in community events and represent the Tarp Skunks organization with class.”

Ryan Bilka started eight games for the Jamestown Tarp Skunks during the 2023 season. P-J file photo

Korn transferred to West Virginia University this past year. In 24 games for the Mountaineers, including three starts, Korn went 6-1 with two saves, pitching to a 3.39 ERA to help West Virginia advance to the College World Series. In 79 2-3 innings, he struck out 70 and walked 13.

Bilka appeared in nine games for the Tarp Skunks in the summer of 2023 after his freshman season at Wagner College. In eight starts, the right-hander went 1-0 with a 2.90 earned run average, striking out 26 and walking seven in 31 innings.

“Every time Ryan went out there, he was dominant,” Dolce said. “From the moment he arrived, you could tell he had the talent to compete at the next level. It’s exciting to see that recognized in the MLB draft and we can’t wait to follow his professional career.”

Bilka pitched one more season at Wagner before transferring to the University of Richmond for the 2025 season. He transferred to the University of Miami this past year. In 25 games, all relief appearances for the Hurricane, he went 2-1 with four saves, pitching to a 5.10 ERA. In 30 innings, he struck out 36 and walked 24.

Portville Central School graduate Maxx Yehl was drafted in the third round with the 91st pick by the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander, who has pitched at West Virginia University since 2023, went 9-3 this year on his way to Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors for the Mountaineers. In 18 games, all starts, Yehl threw one complete game and pitched to a 2.13 ERA while striking out 112 and walking 26 in 97 innings.

West Virginia's Ian Korn (18) pitches during a College World Series game against Troy on June 12 in Omaha, Neb. AP file photo

Dalton Harper, a Maryvale graduate whose collegiate journey took him to Georgia Southern University before returning home to play at Niagara County Community College, was drafted in the 16th round with the 472nd pick by the Atlanta Braves. The right-handed throwing and hitting catcher played for Niagara Falls in the PGCBL during the summers of 2024 and 2025.

Miami pitcher Ryan Bilka (31) warms up before an NCAA regional against Troy on May 29 in Gainesville, Fla. AP file photo