ASHEVILLE, N.C.—UNC Asheville right-handed pitcher Alan DeRatt was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 17th round with the 527th pick of the 2008 Major League Baseball First Year Players Draft.
DeRatt, the Big South Conference Pitcher of the Year and UNC Asheville school record holder with career innings pitched and career strikeouts was relieved to hear his name called by the Rockies.
“I really don’t know what to say. I am extremely excited,” said DeRatt. “I was nervous and then relieved when it happened. I expect to be sent out west to start out but hopefully will be able to pitch again in Asheville.”
The Asheville Tourists are the Rockies Single-A affiliate, a fact not lost on the UNC Asheville fans who hope to see DeRatt pitch again.
“Alan has worked extremely hard and deserves the chance he will be given with the Rockies,” said UNC Asheville head baseball coach Willie Stewart. “We are all excited for him and hope to see him back pitching in Asheville very soon.”
DeRatt is the first Bulldog player to be drafted since Steven Cook and Steve Sherman where both selected in the 2004 draft. He is the second highest Bulldog player to ever be drafted. Ty Wigginton, now a member of the Houston Astros, was also drafted in the 17th round by the New Your Mets with the 514th pick of the 1998 draft.
DeRatt finished the season seventh in the nation in ERA at 1.74. He went 8-2 in 14 starts In the three of his four no decisions, he left the game with a lead. The fourth he pitched just one inning before rain suspended the game until the next day. DeRatt was on the Wallace Watch List of the top 64 players in the Country until the list was narrowed to 16 before the start of the super regionals.
Overall, DeRatt is the 18th UNC Asheville player to be selected in the Major League Draft. His first stop will likely be Casper, Wyoming where the Rockies have their Rookie League team the Casper Ghosts.
Courtesy: UNC Asheville
