The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Recent Blazer Baseball Players Begin Professional Careers
6/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 25, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A trio of former UAB baseball players made their professional debuts this week in the minor leagues.
Former first baseman Luke Stewart and shortstop Jonathan Merritt are playing in the Rookie Appalachian League, while former closer Nick Graffeo is pitching in the Rookie Pioneer League.
Merritt, a free agent signee, is playing for the Greeneville (Tenn.) Astros. He opened his season Tuesday, recording a hit and scoring a run in his debut against the Burlington Royals. Batting in the leadoff spot, the shortstop has hit safely and scored a run in each of the first three games of his professional career.
Wednesday marked the first action for Stewart, a 20th round draft pick, who is playing for the Kingsport (Tenn.) Mets. One of the top power hitters in UAB history, Stewart got the starting nod at first base in Kingsport's second game of the season against the Johnson City Cardinals. He then recorded his first two hits and scored twice on Thursday.
Stewart's Mets and Merritt's Astros are slated to meet 11 times in the rookie league season, which runs through the end of August.
Graffeo, drafted in the 38th round by the Royals organization, is playing out West for the Idaho Falls Chukars. The right-hander made his first appearance Wednesday against the Orem Owlz. He worked the final two innings of an Idaho Falls win, allowing two runs and striking out a pair.
Merritt, Stewart and Graffeo join Ryan Keedy of the Marlins' Single-A affiliate Greensboro Grasshoppers as former Blazers currently active in the minor leagues. Danny Sawyer is also playing professionally for the River City (Mo.) Rascals of the independent Frontier League.
