University of Connecticut Athletics
San Diego Padres Draft Nick Tucci In 24th Round
6/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 7, 2006) – University of Connecticut senior Nick Tucci (Medford, Mass.) was drafted on Wednesday afternoon in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres in the 24th round. Tucci was selected as the 723rd overall pick in the draft.
Tucci was an integral part of the Huskies’ successful 2006 season. The right-handed hurler pitched a total of 83.1 innings for UConn and posted a 3.67 earned run average. Tucci recorded nine wins on the season and reigned among the top in the nation with a personal 8-0 run. In the midst of Connecticut’s record breaking season, Tucci was ranked nationally for both his record and his ERA. For his efforts, he was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team and All-New England Second Team.
In 2006, Tucci helped to lead UConn to one of its most successful seasons to date. The team broke the season wins record for both the regular season as well as for conference play. The Huskies ended the season with a 39-18-1 overall record and an 18-6-1 record in conference play. This was also the first season since 2000 that the Huskies advanced to the BIG EAST Championship.
Tucci is the 117th Husky player signed or drafted in the program’s 110-year history.
“The Padres are getting a very dedicated and committed person who is going to do a fantastic job pitching,” said UConn Head Coach Jim Penders. “He was dealt a devastating blow in his sophomore season, but he came back from his injury as a better student and a better player. He will have a great opportunity in San Diego and I am thrilled for Nick and his family.”
