NEW ORLEANS –
Nathan Blasick became the latest New Orleans Privateer to join the professional ranks after he was selected in the 19
th round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Blasick was selected by the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday afternoon.
The Halifax, Pa. native was with the Privateers for two seasons. After not seeing much playing time in his first year, Blasick worked through the offseason to contribute on the mound. In his senior year, he led the Privateers' pitching staff in appearances with 24.
"I'm very excited to have this opportunity and represent New Orleans baseball," said Blasick. "I want to thank Coach Dean and Coach Norris for the opportunity to play here the past two seasons. I appreciate the time Dax spent with me as I transitioned to a pitcher and Coach Dean for trusting me on the mound in big games. I can't wait to represent the Privateers with the Rockies organization."
With a fastball that reached into the mid-90s and primarily a splitter that complemented it, Blasick started the year by not allowing a run in his first five appearances and seven of his first eight. For the season, Blasick pitched to a 3.93 ERA.
He struck out 40 batters in 34.1 innings of work and recorded two wins and two saves in his time on the mound last season for the Privateers.
Blasick becomes the 92
nd Privateer overall and the fifth in the
Blake Dean era to be drafted. All five of the Privateer draft picks in Coach Dean's tenure have been pitchers. He also becomes the second Privateer to be drafted into the Rockies' organization joining Jon Matthews (1994).
Blasick picked up his first win of the season against Evansville. He threw two shutout innings as the Privateers won 3-2 on Feb. 25 against the Purple Aces who made the Super Regionals this year. His second win came in the series opener against McNeese on Apr. 19.
Called upon in many late and close game situations, Blasick also picked up two saves. They both came in the same weekend against eventual Southland postseason champion, Nicholls.
He was also strong in the classroom. Blasick earned a 3.97 GPA at the University of New Orleans, got a degree in Finance and was a Southland First Team All-Academic selection in 2024.
COACHES' QUOTES
BLAKE DEAN – HEAD COACH
"We couldn't be more happy for a guy like
Nathan Blasick to be drafted. In today's day and age where the portal is so relevant he chose to stick it out at our university to become a pitcher after he was a position player the previous season. I think this speaks volumes of his character and who he is as a human being. He's the type of kid who will make it to the big leagues. We couldn't be more proud and excited he's a now with the Rockies organization."
DAX NORRIS – PITCHING COACH
"I was watching video of him pitching at West Virginia and talked to him about it. He was bought in and you're just always looking for a team player like that. He started throwing bullpens and this year making him a pitcher only benefitted him. He put the work in and he just got better and better. The Rockies got an outstanding pick in Nathan and his ceiling is very high."
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
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