University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hen Pitcher Chad Martin Selected by New York Yankees in MLB Draft
6/10/2015 4:41:00 PM | Baseball
NEWARK, Del. -- Hard-throwing University of Delaware sophomore pitcher Chad Martin was selected in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the New York Yankees Wednesday afternoon.
Jim Sherman. “It's always an honor and we are very proud of him.”Martin, an honor student as an engineering major, becomes the 82nd player in UD history to be drafted and the first since left-handed pitcher Brandon Hinkle was selected in the 34th round of the 2014 draft. Delaware had four players selected in 2013 when first baseman Jimmy Yezzo (Washington) was picked in seventh round, pitcher Chad Kuhl (Pittsburgh) was a ninth round selection, pitcher Matt Soren (Philadelphia) went in the 19th round, and outfielder Nick Ferdinand (Philadelphia) was selected in the 35th round.
“It's very exciting that the Yankees decided to take a chance on me,” said Martin. “I am super blessed to be given this opportunity and I'm proud to represent the Blue Hen family. If I do decide to go, I know that I bring the whole Blue Hens community with me. Ultimately I want to make my family, my friends, and my school proud.”
Martin also becomes the eighth UD player selected by the Yankees, joining a list that includes pitcher Greg Diehl in 1974 (22nd round), pitcher Steve Taylor in 1977 (1st round), catcher Jeff Taylor in 1978 (9th round), pitcher Keith Garagozzo in 1991 (9th round) , infielder Mike Gomez in 1992 (14th round), pitcher Jeremy Benson in 1994 (27th round), and infielder Brian August in 1997 (18th round).
After sitting out during the 2013 season, Martin enjoyed an outstanding redshirt freshman campaign at Delaware in 2014 when he was selected to the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team and was named the league's rookie or pitcher of the week three times.
He made 13 starts and compiled a 5-5 record with a 5.35 earned run average and 46 strikeouts in 75.2 innings. He tossed two complete games, including a two-hit shutout over Fairfield in March.
This past season as a sophomore, he led the Blue Hens to their fourth straight CAA Tournament appearance as he pitched in 14 games with 11 starts and posted a 3-5 record and 6.75 ERA in 58.2 innings of work. He ranked second on the team with 62 strikeouts.
Over two seasons, he has struck out 106 batters in 134.1 innings for an average of 7.1 per nine innings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
