Madison Native Drafted By Pittsburgh Pirates

MADISON, NJ — Madison native Gavin Wallace has been drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, following in older brother Mike's footsteps.

Wallace, a pitcher, was drafted in the 15th round, as the 448th overall pick. It was not a total shock for Wallace: he was named the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) Pitcher of the Year last year playing for Fairfield University in Connecticut.

“It's a surreal feeling,” Wallace said on a statement on Fairfield University's website. “I didn't believe it at first but now it's setting in and it's everything that I ever dreamed of.”

If Wallace signs with Pittsburgh and passes a physical, he'll be assigned to a minor-league team. Older brother Mike currently pitches with the Pirates' A-ball club in West Virginia. He was drafted two years ago.

"You've just got to work. At this point, taking care of the arm is a priority," Wallace told the Daily Record. "It's gone from a hobby to a job. There's no other option anymore. Suddenly, everything's more serious. But at the end of the day, it's just a game. I'm excited, and ready to have some fun."

Image via PROAndrew Malone, Flickr

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