June 16, 2016-All-MIAA and All-Region outfielder Dalton Wheat signed with the Kansas City T-Bones on Thursday, becoming the 29th Emporia State baseball player to sign a professional contract under coach Bob Fornelli.

As a senior Wheat hit .391 with seven home runs, 62 RBI, 62 runs and 19 stolen bases this season. He had eight assists from right field. He was second in the league in doubles, ranked third in hits, fourth in RBI, sixth in runs scored, seventh in batting average and stolen bases, eighth in on base percentage and ninth in triples. He finished the season reaching base safely in 30 straight games and had a 24 game hitting streak snapped in his last game at the MIAA Tournament.
 
Just two hours after signing, Wheat started in rightfield for the T-Bones and went two for three with a sacrifice fly and an RBI in Kansas City's 6-4 loss at the Wichita Wingnuts on Thursday afternoon.

The Hornets finished the season 39-19 after going 2-2 in the NCAA Division II Central Regional. This was the 11th time in the last 13 years that Emporia State has advanced to the NCAA Tournament and the third straight year.  

Emporia State Professional Players under Bob Fornelli
2016    Dalton Wheat - Independent
2015     Dean Long - Texas Rangers     
2015    Justin Harris - Independent
2015    Shawn Talkington - Independent
2014    Matt Robertson - Independent
2013    Keith Picht - Independent
2011     Dillon Hazzlett - Seattle     
2011     David Holman - Seattle Mariners    
2011    Brett Kinsel - Independent
2011    Michael Cotter - Independent
2010     Colby Killian - Texas Rangers     
2010     Ben Graham - Washington Nationals    
2009     Conner Crumbliss - Oakland A's     
2009     Ryan Anthony Cleveland Indians    
2009     Keith Hernandez - Detroit Tigers    
2009     Eric Shortell - Kansas City Royals    
2009     Ryan Anthony - Cleveland Indians    
2009    Diego Soto - Independent
2009    Mike Sharp - Independent
2008    Richard Timbrook - Independent
2008    Brock Nehles - Independent
2008    Ty Reese - Independent
2007     Trent Lare - New York Yankees    
2007     Mark McBratney - Detroit Tigers    
2006     Gabe Medina - New York Yankees     
2006     John Martin - Los Angeles Dodgers    
2006    Toro Trevino - Independent
2006    Matt Petty - Independent
2005     Scott Folgelson - San Diego Padres