Ellsworth Community College alumni and former pitcher Andrew Hanse, a native of Marion, IA, has been assigned by the parent Tampa Bay Rays to Bowling Green of the Midwest League.

Hanse played for the Ellsworth Panthers in 2009-2011. In the 2011 season he tallied three wins and one save. He threw for 59.2 innings with an ERA of 3.17 and recorded 47 strikeouts. When asked about his time at ECC Hanse commented, "I knew ECC was the right choice for me. I knew I was going to get a great education and be able to easily transfer to a four-year school."

After graduating from ECC, he continued his college career at the University of Iowa. During the 2012 year at Iowa he appeared in 17 games, all in relief. He finished 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in 20 innings pitched and recorded 20 strikeouts. He continued his success at Iowa in 2013 with 16 appearances, starting in seven games. He tied for second on the team with three wins and finished with a 4.30 ERA in 46 innings pitched while recording 32 strikeouts.

Hanse graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in finance. After graduating he was selected in the 22nd round of the MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays last June. He played his first season in the New York Penn League with the Hudson Valley Renegades, the short season affiliate for the Rays. After a short time there he has moved up to the Bowling Green Hot Rod, part of the Midwest League.

When asked about his ultimate goal, Hanse said, "The ultimate goal for every baseball player is to make the Major Leagues. Right now I'm focused on my season, getting better each and every day and helping my team win. Growing up playing baseball, my parents, as well as my coaches throughout, really influenced me to pursue my dream of playing baseball in college and professionally."