University of Connecticut Athletics
Olt Flourishes in Arizona Fall League
11/28/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 28, 2011
By Myles Udland
In June of 2010, Mike Olt faced the toughest decision of his life. The Branford native had been selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft by the Texas Rangers, and had to choose between a senior season in
"It was a tough decision, especially knowing the guys we would have back [in 2011]," recalls Olt. "Calling Coach Penders to tell him I was leaving was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but he gave me his support to take the opportunity." And since his selection nearly 18 months ago, Olt has enjoyed an auspicious start to his professional career. Much like his college career, Olt's learning curve in the minor leagues has been steep. "The jump from high school to college ball was pretty big. And going from college to now has been an even bigger step up."
Olt, who left UConn as the career leader in home runs with 44, describes his swing as unorthodox. But Olt, who began the 2011 season as the number seven prospect in the Texas Rangers organization as ranked by Baseball
For most young players, the early years of professional baseball are spent bouncing around anonymous cities with little sense of whether their game, or their chances of making the majors, is improving. Olt was able to gain some clarity on both issues in the past couple months with his stellar play in the Arizona Fall League. After suffering a broken collarbone on a play at home plate earlier this summer, Olt spent weeks rehabbing and was told towards the end of his rehabilitation process that he would be playing in
This winter, Olt plans on spending time in
In June, two more Huskies were taken in the first round of the amateur draft: George Springer by the Astros, and Matt Barnes by the Red Sox. So as the Huskies look to build on their recent success, one expects the program to continue adding top prospects to the talent pool of major league organizations. And as the network of UConn players in professional baseball continues to grow, Olt looks to continue his rise towards baseball's biggest stage.
