POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Former Marist baseball player Kevin Mccarthy (2011-13) had his contract selected by the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. McCarthy will be in uniform wearing number 61 for the Royals game at the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night, which makes him the first former Marist baseball player to dress for a Major League Baseball game.
“We're so proud of Kevin on realizing his dream,” said Marist baseball head coach Chris Tracz. “When he came to Marist, that was one of his goals and to know we played a small part in that is great. We look forward to seeing him compete at the highest stage of professional baseball.”
McCarthy, who was drafted by the Royals in the 16th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, began the year in Double-A with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. In 22 games (all relief), McCarthy went 3-2 with a 3.12 earned run average and 11 saves and threw 34.2 innings while giving up 26 hits, 12 runs, to go along with eight walks and 29 strikeouts. For his performance with the Storm Chasers, McCarthy was named to the Texas League All-Star game On June 16, McCarthy was promoted to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. In 25 games out of the Omaha bullpen, McCarthy compiled a 2-4 record with a 2.97 ERA and five saves. In 33.1 innings pitched, he surrendered 28 hits, 15 runs (11 earned) to go along with 16 walks and 30 strikeouts.
In three seasons for the Red Foxes, McCarthy saved 12 games, which currently ranks fourth on the program's all-time saves list. In 2013, he was named MAAC Co-Relief Pitcher of the Year, Second Team All-MAAC, and to the MAAC All-Academic Team.
