A Bearcat, a Bear and a pitcher named “Bear” were among the eight draftees announced as signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday evening.

Righthander Ryan Troutman (Lander University Bearcats), infielder John Bissonette (Baylor Bears) and righthander John “Bear” Bellomy joined five others Thursday to move the Pirates past the halfway point in coming to terms with, now, 23 of their 42 selections in last week’s draft.

We are 15 days away from Bearcat Baseball!! Meet SR RHP #15 from St. George, SC, Ryan Troutman (@troutfish111 )! #cLawsUp pic.twitter.com/pAj2gujs3u

— Lander Baseball (@LanderBaseball) January 17, 2019

All of the signings came in the latter stages of the draft, ranging from 22nd round infielder Andres Alvarez of Washington State to 39th-round righthander Daniel Ross of Millersville University.

Troutman was taken in the 26th round, Bissonette in the 31st round and Bellomy in Round 28.

Bellomy, who played at Wright State, has gone by the name “Bear” since birth because he was born at 12 pounds, 8 ounces and with a full head of hair.

Also inked Thursday were catcher Evan Goforth of Carson-Newman College, righthander Samson Abernathy of Pacific and lefthander Jake Sweeney of Pensacola State College.

All eight of the players whose signings were announced Thursday will report to Rookie League-level teams in either Bradenton, Fla., or Bristol, Va.

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