Jim Wallace Drafted by the New York Mets

June 4, 2003

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University senior catcher Jim Wallace was the fourth Bronco baseball player to be drafted in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft on Wednesday. The New York Mets took him with the 12th pick (1,069 overall) of the 36th round.

"I was just sitting at home listening to the draft on my computer and when they called my name my hands just went straight up in the air and I started screaming," said Wallace. "I am still waiting for the call from them to let me know what happens next, but right now I am just so excited the have a chance to play ball again."

Wallace began his career at Santa Clara in 2000 and appeared in 179 games, starting 161 of those contests during that time span. His .330 average with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 44 RBI during his junior season were good enough to earn him All-WCC honors last year.

During his senior season in 2003 he batted .278 with seven doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBI. For his career, he batted .281 with 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 118 RBI. His 26 home runs is tied for the seventh highest career total in program history.

"Jim has been the leader of our ball club for the last two seasons," said head coach Mark O'Brien. "I know the Mets will benefit from his leadership ability and from his work ethic. He has proven himself to be a valuable player and I believe that will transition to the next level."

In addition to Wallace, fellow seniors Joe Diefenderfer (19th), Scott Dierks (24th) and Matt Travis (32nd) have already been taken in the draft. A.J. LaBarbera avoided the draft when he signed a fifth-year senior free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants two weeks ago.