The University of Akron Athletics
Zippy's Top 10 Countdown: No. 9
July 12 | Baseball
Hey Akron fans, it's your favorite mascot Zippy.
Today, I bring you No. 9 in my "Year in Roo-view Countdown"…the selection of closer Chris Bassitt and centerfielder Drew Turocy in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.
On June 7, 2011, these two became just the second pair of Akron baseball players to be selected in the same Major League Baseball Draft. Bassitt was selected in the 16th round with the 501st overall pick by the Chicago White Sox and Turocy was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in the 24th round with the 742nd overall selection.
Bassitt became 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 year and converted seven saves in seven opportunities. In 38.0 innings of work, he struck out 48 and baffled opposing batters to the tune of 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 in 2011 with five triples, seven home runs and 29 RBIs. He also stole 10 bases in 13 attempts, tracked down 123 fly balls in center field and 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 is tied for fifth in career triples with 11.
I remember when Tom Farmer and Doug McNulty were selected in the 2008 draft as the first pair of Zips to be taken in the same draft year.
Check back tomorrow for No. 8 in my countdown!
While I present my top stories from the past year, I want to hear yours as well.
Tell me your best story from a fan's perspective by clicking on the blue button below. The best user-submitted stories will be posted on GoZips.com at the end of the month. All fans who have their stories posted will win a UA Athletics prize.
Good luck and Go Zips!
