UCSB had one player taken on the second day of Major League Baseball’s June amateur draft when left-handed pitcher Mario Hollands was selected in the tenth round.
Hollands was taken 321st overall by the defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander from El Cerrito was an All-Big West Honorable Mention selection this past season after going 5-5 with a 3.77 ERA. Hollands was among the conference’s best, ranking in the top-10 in complete games, ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched and opponents batting average.
“I’m happy for Mario. He’s worked real hard for this. He came back to improve his stock in the draft and get closer to graduation and he’s accomplished those goals,” UCSB head coach Brontsema said. “I expect a very successful career for him.”
Hollands tied a school record this past season by striking out 16 batters in a game. He returned for his junior season after being picked in the 24th round last June by the Minnesota Twins.
“I am very excited to be with the Phillies and have the chance of playing professional baseball,” Hollands said. “I want to thank everyone that has helped me in my time in Santa Barbara.”
