by Paul Casey Gotham
Pat Urckfitz has his bags packed.
On February 25th the former Webster Yankee will head to Kissimmee, Florida for Spring Training with the Houston Astros.
When camp opens two days later Urckfitz will begin the second of a seven-year contract.
“I’m excited and trying to keep an open mind,” said Urckfitz. “I’m looking to make the most of everything available to me.”
The Penfield native threw his last inning in the New York Collegiate Baseball League on June 26th as the pinstripes dropped a 4-2 decision to the Elmira Pioneers.
It was on that night that Pat met with Houston Astro regional scout, Mike Maggert.
Three days later Urckfitz dropped off his uniform and headed south to Tennessee – Greeneville, Tennessee that is – home of the Greeneville Astros, the minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Greeneville plays in the rookie Appalachian League – a ten-team league with a 70-game schedule from June to the end of August.
Urckfitz made 15 appearances for Greenville fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40. The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.
Those numbers earned Urckfitz a spot in the fall instructional league.
“If they don’t think much of you, they don’t invite you,” said Webster Coach Dave Brust of the invite to fall league. “It’s an investment.”
Since the end of fall league Urckfitz has spent his time working out with MCC coach, Mike Kelly and keeping in touch with the Astros.
“I check in with Travis Driscoll (pitching coach at Greenville) and Britt Burns (Astros pitching coordinator) to let them know about my workouts. I’ve been spending time over at the MCC facility working with the staff.”
“You’re not going to meet a better human being than Pat,” said current MCC and former Webster Yankee head coach, Mike Kelly. 
“As good of a pitcher as he is, Pat is twice that as a person.”
Still Urckfitz knows he has his work cut out for him.
“There are no guarantees. We have three single A teams,” said Urckfitz referring to Astro farm teams in Lexington Ky., Lancaster Cal., and Troy NY.
“I will have to earn a spot,” continued the lefty.
While with Webster, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work. Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.
Urckfitz was part of the Monroe Community College team that finished third in the nation. In the NJCAA tournament Urckfitz tossed 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.
The seven-year contract with the Astros includes the opportunity for Urckfitz to earn a college degree which he plans on studying sports medicine at SUNY Brockport.
Maggert was the same scout who signed Churchville native and current New York Mets star, Tim Redding.
Webster opens the 2009 NYCBL season at Webster Town Park on June 9th when 2007 league champion, Elmira Pioneers, come to town.
The New York Collegiate Baseball League, founded in 1978, is a summer wood bat development league for professional baseball. Major League Baseball funds a small portion of the league’s annual budget. The league gives college players who have not yet signed a professional contract the opportunity to develop their skills at a higher level of play, gain experience with wood bats, and be evaluated by scouts. Current major leaguers Brad Lidge, Tim Hudson, John McDonald, and Dallas Braden all spent time in the NYCBL.
Great post, Casey!
Making it to “The Show” (or not) is a real grind for most players coming up through the minor leagues. I recommend reading a great article in this week’s Sports Illustrated. It’s called “Odd Man Out” written by a former pitcher (via Yale) who didn’t make it and is now on his way to becoming a doctor. (Sorry … I cannot find the link on their site).