Story Links
DENVER, Colo. — Following a stellar four-year career at Azusa Pacific, third baseman Osvaldo Tovalin took the next step in his baseball career today, being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Tovalin was the 301st player selected overall.
“Being drafted in the 10th round by the Cardinals feels amazing I am really happy and blessed for the opportunity that has been given to me by the Cardinals,” said Tovalin, “I want thank my parents and my brothers for always teaching me and guiding me through the right path, and I also want to thank all my coaches at Azusa Pacifc as they have all had an impact on my career and I would not be where I am at without them or my family.”
By the Numbers: Tovalin finished his collegiate career with 43 home runs and 176 runs batted in, which both rank in the top five in program history. He was also a 2021 ABCA Gold Glove winner after posting a .958 fielding percentage over 42 games.
Tovalin is the 18th Azusa Pacific player to be selected in the draft since the Cougars joined the NCAA in 2012, and his 10th-round draft position is the second-highest in that span. (Josh Staumont, 2015, 2nd round)
Tovalin is the second member of his own family to be selected in that span as well, as his older brother Adrian was a 16th-round pick of the Houston Astros back in 2017.
Tovalin is the third Cougar all-time to be drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, joining previous selections LHP Jonny Bravo (2008, 23rd round) and 2B Danny Martin (2015, 24th round).
Upon signing, Tovalin will make eight currently active Azusa Pacific players in professional baseball, with two currently at the major league level (C Stephen Vogt, 2007, 12th round; and the aforementioned Staumont).
Cougars head coach Paul Svagdis, who has coached both Tovalin brothers over the past eight years, shared his thoughts on the occasion. “Super excited to see Osvaldo follow such a great history of Cougar baseball players, including his older brother Adrian, by being selected in the 10th round by St. Louis! It’s been a blessing to coach both Tovalin boys over the last seven years! I am very proud of Osvaldo and his development as a leader, teammate, and complete baseball player!”
The next stage of Tovalin’s baseball journey will likely see him joining the Cardinals’ rookie league team, who play their games at the club’s spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida.
###[ad_2]
Originally Appeared Here