Photo courtesy of Stanford University. |
Colin Walsh ’07 was selected in the 13th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals on June 8. Colin’s selection marks the first time a Bishop’s alumnus has entered the ranks of one of the four major professional sports leagues since Shane Walton ’99 was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 National Football League draft by the St. Louis Rams.
A junior and second baseman at Stanford University, Colin was privy to his impending selection some time before it was officially announced. During the 10th round of the draft, he received a phone call from a Cardinals scout who revealed that the Cardinals were seriously considering drafting him with their 13th round selection.
Colin agreed before proceeding to watch the next three rounds of the draft in eager anticipation. Previously, he had avoided draft coverage out of anxiety.
“I would’ve gone crazy if I’d watched. I only got three hours of sleep the night before.”
Upon seeing his name come up, Colin celebrated with a fist pump.
Colin will report to Johnson City, TN on June 20, where he will begin his minor league career with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Appalachian League.
The season will be a short one, as the Appalachian League is a Rookie league. In early September, Walsh will return to Stanford where he will continue his studies but will not longer be a member of the baseball team. Walsh will remain in school for the fall and winter quarters, where he will continue taking courses towards the completion of his undergraduate degree in Management Science and Engineering. He will also begin taking courses towards the fulfillment of a master’s degree in Civil Engineering. In March 2011, he will report for spring training.
Colin’s drafting was the perfect ending to an impressive three-year career at Stanford. Colin backed up future third-round draft pick Cord Phelps at second base as a freshman, but saw consistent time as a pinch-hitter. He started nine games as the Cardinal advanced to the College World Series and was one of the last four teams eliminated.
As a sophomore, Colin took over the starting job at second base and proceeded to lead the team with a .320 batting average. He also led the team with 51 walks and a .466 on-base percentage.
Primarily a contact hitter in his first two seasons, Colin broadened his game as a junior. Scouts had noted that his smooth swing would lead to power in the future, and Colin proved them right by leading the team with seven home runs and a .493 slugging percentage in 2010. His 41 RBIs were tied for the team lead, as were his 45 runs.
He leaves the program with a solid lifetime batting average of .319.
Reflecting on his experience at Stanford, Colin has nothing but good things to say.
“Stanford has the best combination of academics and athletics in the country. It’s been my #1 choice since I was six years old and I told my mom I wanted to play for Stanford when I was watching them play in the College World Series.”
“Since I was four, I’ve dreamed of playing professional baseball. I’m truly blessed to finally have the opportunity.”
Colin’s years at Bishop’s helped prepare him for Stanford.
“Bishop’s is one of the best academic schools in the country, and I felt extremely prepared when I came to Stanford.”
A four-year starter at shortstop for the Knights, Colin praised Southern California’s competitive baseball environment.
At Bishop’s, Colin was a four-sport athlete, starring for the cross country, soccer, baseball, and track and field teams. He graduated Cum Laude, received the Stephanie Blankenship Award and the Roundtable Club Male Scholar-Athlete Award.