University of Connecticut Athletics
Two Former Huskies Pitch to Success in MLB
6/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
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.
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