Riverdale, N.Y. (January 12, 2007)- Former Manhattan College designated hitter John Fitzpatrick '06 has signed a professional contract as an undrafted free-agent with Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Fitzpatrick signed his contact on December 10, 2006.
“This is a dream come true for me,” commented Fitzpatrick. “All the hard work, morning practices, and hours working out in my back yard all seem worth it right now.”
“The coaching staff at Manhattan, especially (former Jasper head coach) Steve Trimper, who recruited me, and (current Jasper head coach) Kevin Leighton helped me believe in myself,” continued Fitzpatrick. “Even when things weren't going well, and that made the difference in the world.”
Last season, with the Jaspers record at 20-18 and Fitzpatrick batting just .238 following a hitless weekend at MAAC foe Marist, April 29-30, the slugger put the team on his back the rest of the way, hitting safely in 16 straight games, and tallying at least one hit in 18 of his final 19 games, raising his batting average to a career best .325. Fitzpatrick batted .516 during the streak, a .486 down the stretch, in which Manhattan posted a 14-5 record.
The Yonkers, N.Y. native belted 13 home runs and knocked in 42 runs during that stretch, slugged at a 1.171 clip and accumulated a .552 on base percentage. On the season, Fitzpatrick set new Manhattan single season records with his 18 home runs and 66 RBI, both of which led the MAAC and ranked him among the nation's elite. For his illustrious career, he set new Jasper career benchmarks with 35 home runs, 57 doubles, 177 RBI, and 216 hits. His power display in 2006 is even more impressive in that his 18 home runs in this season alone would be enough for the second most in a Jasper career.
Fitzpatrick was also named First Team All-MAAC a record fourth time, and earned MAAC All-Academic recognition a third time, while being recognized as an All-Tournament performer at both the MAAC and NCAA Regional Tournaments.
Manhattan head coach Kevin Leighton commented, “"We are all very proud of John's accomplishments on the field and in the classroom during his four years here at Manhattan. John set a great example for our young men to follow as he was a great leader, strong student, and a tremendous ball player while wearing a Jasper uniform. He is very deserving of his latest achievement and he will make a very good professional baseball player. I want to congratulate John and his family, and I wish him the best as he pursues his baseball career with the Pirates.”
Fitzpatrick will report to the Pirates' minor league complex in
Bradenton, Fla., and will likely be assigned to either the GCL Pirates of the Rookie League or the State College Spikes of the short-season Class A New York-Penn League.
Fitzpatrick was also named in a recent article about Pirates signees in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
