Youngstown State seniors Jacke Healey and Eric Marzec both had boyhood dreams come true on Tuesday when they were selected on the second day of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Healey, an infielder from Tunkhannock, Pa., was taken in the 27th round and 813th overall by the Houston Astros. Marzec, a pitcher from Canton, Ohio, was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 30th round and 909th overall. They are the first pair of Penguin players to be drafted in the same year.
"I'm thrilled for both Jacke and Eric for being rewarded for all of the hard work that they've put in," YSU head coach Rich Pasquale said. "They will both represent Youngstown State in the most positive way and be great ambassadors for our program.
"Jacke will do very well in professional baseball because he is a pro-style player. The Astros organization will be getting a polished infielder that loves playing the game."
"Eric deserves everything that comes his way. He has always been one of our hardest workers on the field and in the classroom."
Brandon Caipen was the last Penguin drafted in 2006.
Healey transferred from Potomac State College as a junior and was named First-Team All-Horizon League in both of his seasons at Youngstown State. In his two years on campus, he hit 20 home runs, scored 100 times and posted 95 RBIs.
As a senior, Healey had arguably the most productive season in YSU history. The slugger set new school single-season records with 12 home runs, 63 runs scored and 59 RBIs while batting .356. He also led the Penguins with 14 steals, and his solid defensive play make him a five-tool player. Healey started 39 games at shortstop and 16 at third base in 2010.
Healey hit eight home runs and 17 doubles while batting .293 as a junior. The eight home runs were the most ever by a YSU shortstop until he belted 12 as a senior.
Marzec was named Second-Team All-Horizon League in each of his final three seasons at YSU. A solid hitter and outfielder, he flourished as a power arm out of the bullpen. His low-90s fastball and hard slider earned him the title Top Professional Prospect in the Horizon League by Baseball America prior to his senior year.
As a senior, Marzec went 3-3 with five saves and a 3.92 ERA in 20 appearances, 18 of which came out of the bullpen. He struck out 56 batters in 39 innings for an average of 12.9 per nine innings while holding opposing hitters to a .240 batting average. He made two starts at the end of the regular season and improved his status by holding Horizon League batting leader Wright State without a hit through 5.2 innings in his first start.
In 2009, Marzec had a 2.40 ERA and two saves in 15 innings of relief work before an injury to his glove hand stopped him from pitching on April 18. He fanned 20 batters in 17 innings while walking just six.
Marzec’s sophomore season was arguably his best statistically. He had a career-low 2.82 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .198 average, which was also a career-best. He struck out 18 batters in 22.1 innings, all of which came out of the bullpen.
Marzec finished his career with nine saves, which ranks fifth in school history. His five saves in 2010 are tied for the fifth-most for a single season in YSU history.
Marzec was also a formidable hitter in the middle of the order during his tenure at YSU. Over the last three seasons, he batted .310 with 17 home runs, 84 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.
The draft finishes up on Wednesday with rounds 31 through 50.
Courtesy: YSU Sports Information Department
