June 08, 2007
Mastroianni chosen by Toronto Blue Jays
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Darin Mastroianni |
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana junior second baseman
Darin Mastroianni (Huntersville, North Carolina) was chosen in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays Friday afternoon.
Mastroianni was the 21st pick in the 16th round, 505th overall, and the 21st player selected by the Blue Jays. He is the fourth player in USI baseball history to be drafted.
Former USI standout Kevin Brown was taken in the second round (56th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 1994, while Todd Niemeier was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 36th round (986 overall) in 1995. Jeff Schulz was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 23rd round (586 overall) in 1983.
Mastroianni, who has the choice to sign with the Blue Jays organization or return to USI for his senior season, led the Screaming Eagles and the GLVC with a .409 batting average, a school-record 97 hits, and school-record 64 stolen bases in 2007. He was first in the GLVC with 65 runs scored and third in the league with 43 runs batted in.
"It is great recognition for Darin and our program to be chosen in the 2007 draft," USI Head Coach
Tracy Archuleta said. "I'm very happy for him and his family and wish him the best of luck in whatever he chooses to do."
USI (43-23 overall, 24-15 GLVC), which set a school-record for wins in a single-season, advanced to the NCAA II National Championship Series after capturing its first-ever NCAA II North Central Region crown. The Eagles, who were in the NCAA II Tournament for the first time since 1994, qualified for the GLVC Tournament for the first time since the 2001 season.
Dan McDonnell,
USI Sports Information
