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Fairfield University Ace Agrees To Terms With Pirates

FAIRFIELD, Conn.. -- Fairfield University pitcher Mike Wallace agreed to terms Friday with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Fairfield University pitcher Mike Wallace agreed to terms Friday with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Fairfield University pitcher Mike Wallace agreed to terms Friday with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Photo Credit: FairfieldStags.com

Wallace, a right-hander, was selected in the 30th round of the recent Major League Draft. He will forego his senior season with the Stags, where he was a first-team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection.

“It was one of the most important decisions of my life,” Wallace said. “Leaving one of the greatest universities in the country and one that treated my extremely well is going to be tough. I have created the best friendships of my life here and I’ll never forget my time at Fairfield.”

Originally a non-scholarship player, the 6-foot, 5-inch native of Madison, N.J. exceeded every expectation in his three years with the Stags. He leaves sixth all-time in program history with a 3.58 ERA and second all-time in fewest walks per contest with 1.87. He finished the 2015 season with a 6-4 record, 3.84 ERA and six complete games.

Wallace achieved his first goal by earning a scholarship before his junior season and continued to surmount expectations, achieving the best season of his career. Wallace was named to the All-MAAC First Team, tying the conference lead with six complete games, a number that was fourth nationally.

“Every level of success I reach is somewhat a surprise,” Wallace said.  “I like to keep the underdog mentality and surprise people who overlook me. I didn’t have a lot of offers coming out of high school, but Coach (Bill) Currier was nice enough to offer me an opportunity. I think that being an underdog has been something that has helped me throughout my career.”

Wallace is expected to join the Bristol Pirates, the Rookie level squad of the Pirates, currently in the Appalachian League.

As for his college education, Wallace still has nine more classes remaining to graduate, but hopes to earn his diploma from Fairfield.

“Leaving the program was a hard decision but I feel it’s the right baseball decision,” Wallace said. “With that being said the time at Fairfield is not over. I still need two semesters to graduate and I’ll certainly be in and out through the fall semester.”

 

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