The University of Akron Athletics
Bassitt, Turocy Selected in 2011 MLB Draft
June 07 | Baseball
AKRON, Ohio - A pair of University of Akron baseball players were selected in the 2011 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft on Tuesday.
Closer Chris Bassitt was selected in the 16th round with the 501st overall pick by the Chicago White Sox and outfielder Drew Turocy was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in the 24th round with the 742nd overall selection.
It is the second time in program history that two players have been selected in the same year. Tom Farmer and Doug McNulty were both selected in the 2008 draft. Bassitt is also the highest selected Akron product since Aaron Gangi was taken in the 14th round by Tampa Bay in 2003.
Bassitt - a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 2011 - appeared in 28 games out of the bullpen last season and converted seven saves in seven opportunities. In 38.0 innings of work he struck out 48 and held opposing batters to a .183 batting average with an ERA of 1.42.
For his career the Curtice, Ohio native tallied 14 saves - second on the UA career saves list - and struck out 84 batters in 70.2 total innings. His career ERA was an outstanding 2.29.
During his four years in the blue and gold, Turocy has become one of the most decorated hitters in Akron baseball history. Turocy batted .347 last season with five triples, seven home runs, and 29 RBIs. He also stole 10 bases in 13 attempts, tracked down 123 fly balls in center fieldand was named first-team All-MAC.
In 2010, Turocy set UA single-season records for hits (95) and at-bats (265), batting .358 with 57 RBIs. For his career the Canfield, Ohio native batted .344 - eighth best all-time - with 16 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 122 runs scored. He also ranks in a tie for fifth in career triples with 11.
