APSU alumnus and former baseball player Shawn Kelley recently signed a $15 million, three year contract with the Washington Nationals as a relief pitcher. Kelley was contacted by about 6-7 clubs who offered contracts for two years, but Kelley wanted a three year contract, according to Phil Wood, Washington Nationals radio voice who is friends with Kelley.

“He didn’t think last year was that great, but he had a good enough role with the Padres,” Wood said.

In seven years, Kelley has gone 19-19 with a 3.67 ERA. He has played for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and is now on the Washington Nationals’ roster.

During his time at APSU, Kelley was a starting pitcher. He finished with a 3.09 ERA in 390.1 innings, giving up 169 hits, 87 walks and 298 strikeouts. His opposing batting average was .262. Kelley only gave up a total of 75 extra base hits his entire college career.

Wood said the Nationals are rebuilding their bullpen from top to bottom and said he believes Kelley will be the setup guy for Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals’ newest closer.

“This game has got so much going for it,” Wood said. “If you fear failure, you’ll never be a baseball player.”