From NYU Athletics
New York University baseball player CJ Picerni was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) amateur draft on Saturday. Picerni was the 934th overall pick in the draft and the 14th Division III player selected.
"This is truly a blessing and a dream come true," said Picerni. "This is what every kid who grows up playing the game dreams of."
Picerni is the first NYU baseball player drafted since the University brought back its baseball program in 2015 after a 41-year hiatus. The catcher recorded 80 hits, 54 RBIs and three home runs in his two-year career as a Violet.
"I'm so excited for CJ," exclaimed NYU Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "Years and years of hard work contributed to this, and I think his game acquaints to the professional level."
Picerni, who was named to the University Athletic Asssociation (UAA) Second Team in 2015, served as a captain for the past two years and helped lead NYU to a pair of 20-win seasons.