Mark Appel  Mark Stewart Appel (born July 15, 1991) is a former American professional baseball pitcher, who played in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) for the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. After being drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers in 2009, Appel elected to attend Stanford University and play for the Stanford Cardinal baseball team. Named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's Pitcher of the Year in 2012, he was projected as the first overall draft choice in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, but fell in the draft due to signability concerns. Appel did not sign after being selected eighth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, returning to Stanford for his senior season. The Houston Astros selected him with the first overall pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft, and he signed with them. Appel was traded to the Phillies after the 2015 season. After continued struggles, he was designated for assignment by the Phillies on November 20, 2017. In February 2018, at the age of 26, Appel announced that he would step away from baseball. The Phillies retain his rights, should he decide to play again. He is one of three players to be drafted first overall in the Major League Baseball Draft and never play in the major leagues, along with Steve Chilcott and Brien Taylor. Appel attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. As a senior in high school, Appel was a relief pitcher He became the best closer in the section and threw a no-hitter that cemented his position in the 2009 MLB draft. In addition to baseball, Appel also played basketball at Monte Vista High School. The Detroit Tigers selected Appel in the 15th round, with the 450th overall selection, of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. Appel did not sign, as he was committed to attend Stanford University. At Stanford, Appel received a scholarship to play college baseball for the Stanford Cardinal baseball team, competing in the Pac-10 Conference. Appel began his collegiate career as a reliever, and had several spot starts as a freshman, but became a starting pitcher during his sophomore season. In the summer of 2010, he played for the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), posting a 6–1 record and 1.87 ERA and earning First Team All-NECBL and Top Pro Prospect honors. As a sophomore in 2011, Appel had a 6–7 win–loss record with a 3.02 earned run average (ERA) in innings pitched.