Two Former Huskies Pitch to Success in MLB
STORRS, Conn. (June 10, 2008)
— Former University of Connecticut baseball
standouts, Jesse Carlson and Jeff Fulchino, both toed
the rubber of the Yankee Stadium mound this past week respectively
as members of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals pitching
staffs. The former Husky teammates have broken into the big leagues
as relievers.
 Carlson,
a 6-foot-1, 160-pound left handed pitcher, was called up to Toronto
on April 9, and has enjoyed a stellar season. He is the team leader
in appearances and had a most memorable April outing in Rogers
Centre. In just his second appearance on the his home mound, he
entered a game against the Texas Rangers on April 16th in
the 11th inning and proceeded to strike out the side
after inheriting a bases loaded situation. Using twelve pitches to
retire Adam Melhuse, Marlon Byrd and David Murphy in order, the
27-year old rookie became the first Major Leaguer to strike out the
side in extra innings with the bases loaded in 48 years. With the
Blue Jays he has a 1-0 record this season with a 1.93 ERA in 29
appearances. Carlson has recorded one save and 24 strikeouts in 23.1
innings thrown.
The Berlin
High School graduate is a native of New Britain, Conn. and played
for the UConn program from 2000-2002 before starting his career out
of the Detroit Tigers organization after being drafted in the 15th
round (440th overall) in the 2002 draft. At UConn he posted a 4.50
ERA as a starting pitcher for the Huskies.
 Fulchino,
a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, joined the Kansas Royals on Sunday,
June 8, 2008 and made his debut with the Royals against the New York
Yankees at Yankee Stadium as he pitched one inning while walking one
batter and striking out one. He was called up from Omaha and
immediately made an impact for the Royals pitching staff.
Fulchino had
spent his entire professional career in the Florida Marlins'
organization before signing a Minor League contract with the Royals
in February. For Omaha, he was 2-1 with three saves and a 3.99 ERA
in 12 games played. He appeared in just one game with the Marlins in
2006, facing just two batters, and in eight minor league seasons he
has a record of 38-36 with a 4.40 ERA. Drafted in the 2001 amateur
draft by the Florida Marlins, Fulchino signed with the Marlins after
playing at UConn on June 6, 2001.
“I’m so happy
for Jesse and Jeff," said UConn head coach Jim Penders. "They
have really grinded it out in the minor leagues for years and have
made it to the show. I had the opportunity to coach them both and
they are fine representatives of our program. I know I speak for
all our current and former players, as well as all of our fans and
supporters, when I say that I hope they both enjoy long and
productive Major League careers."
For more
information on these two former Huskies making an impact follow the
below links.
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434482
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=445246.
-UCONN-
|
