June 6, 2001
NEW YORK - Fairfield University baseball player Ryan Holsten (Wilmington, DE) was chosen in the 22nd round of the annual Major League Baseball First-Year player draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, this afternoon. Holsten is the first Fairfield player to be drafted since the Boston Red Sox in the 1998 draft chose Andy Larned.
"I am very excited right now," said Holsten from his home in Delaware, "my heart nearly stopped when the phone rang, and it was the Diamondbacks congratulating me. It is a little overwhelming right now, but my entire family is ecstatic, and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Holsten graduated from Fairfield May 20, 2001, after completing a career season. The right-handed pitcher led the Stags with a 6-4 record and posted a 2.45 ERA. Holsten struck out 50 batters in 73.1 innings of work, allowing opponents to hit just .241 against him as a senior. For his career Holsten won 15 games for the Stags, striking out 114 batters in 197.1 innings of work.
"We are very excited for Ryan, as this is a great accomplishment," said Fairfield head baseball coach John Slosar. "He was a great competitor during his four-years as a Stag and I am sure that he will do well at the next level. We wish him all the best."
Holsten will report to a rookie camp run by the Arizona organization, before being assigned to a minor league club to begin his professional career.
The MLB drafted is conducted by conference call among the leagues 30 organizations and consists of a maximum of 50 rounds. With supplemental picks this year's draft is expected to consist of nearly 1,500 players.
