Seven Wildcats Go Pro in Two Years
8/20/2024 10:00:00 AM | Baseball
ABILENE - Abilene Christian University (ACU) baseball continues solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse for developing top-tier talent. Under the direction of head coach Rick McCarty, seven of his pitchers have signed contracts with professional baseball organizations, including the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, The Kansas City Royals, and the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks. The ACU baseball program shows their dedication to their players beyond their collegiate career, with each of these seven pitchers signing in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
2023
Riley Bauman, a right-handed pitcher from Rockwall, Texas, made his mark despite challenges. After playing at Navarro College in Corsicana, TX, he joined ACU in 2022 but missed the 2023 season due to a UCL tear. Still, Bauman's potential was recognized. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round, 384th overall, in the MLB Draft.
Tyler Morgan, a right-handed pitcher from Flower Mound, Texas, spent his entire collegiate career at ACU, where he became a consistent player in the pitching rotation. Morgan led the Wildcats in strikeouts in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons. His hard work and consistency on the mound have led to him being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round, 431st overall, in the MLB Draft, marking a significant step in his baseball journey.
Logan Britt, hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, made a strong impact at ACU after transferring from Texas A&M for the 2023 season. A versatile utility player, Britt served as both the starting centerfielder and a pitcher. His talent was first recognized in 2019 when he was selected in the 35th round by the Chicago White Sox in the MLB Draft. After finishing his collegiate career, Britt was redrafted, this time in the 17th round, 504th overall, by the Los Angeles Angels.
Breck Eichelberger, a right-handed pitcher from Irvins, Utah, joined ACU in 2022 after playing at Salt Lake Community College. Over two seasons, he proved his talent on the mound, leading to his signing as a free agent with the San Diego Padres in 2023.
2024
Dash Albus, a left-handed pitcher from Abilene, TX, made a strong impact at ACU after joining the pitching staff for the 2023 season, following his transfer from Temple College. His efforts paid off when he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round, 557th overall, in the MLB Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Rolando De La Cruz, a right-handed pitcher hailing from the Dominican Republic, brought his skills to the Wildcats for the 2023 and 2024 seasons after transferring from Trinidad State. His performance with ACU earned him a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
Brett Garcia, right-handed pitcher from La Mirada, California, transferred to ACU from Baylor University to complete his final year in collegiate athletics. Following his time at ACU, Garcia signed with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks in North Dakota to play Independent Baseball in the American Association.
The journey of these pitchers from ACU to the professional ranks highlights the strength and development within the Wildcats baseball program. Head coach Rick McCarty shows his strengths with his players, helping them earn opportunities to continue their careers at the next level. ACU's commitment to nurturing athletic excellence has played a pivotal role in preparing these athletes for the challenges of professional baseball.
