Pat Urckfitz spent last May coming out of the bullpen to help the Monroe Community College Tribunes finish third in the National Junior College World Series.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
One year later Urckfitz still makes that walk from the pen. \u00c2\u00a0Now the lefty does his work for the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League.<\/p>\n
He may have changed uniforms, and the scenery differs a little, but once again Pat Urckfitz is proving himself worthy.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Earlier this week with the Legends clinging to a one-run lead in ninth over the second place Savannah Sand Gnats, Coach Tom Lawless called on Urckfitz. \u00c2\u00a0The Penfield, New York native responded by retiring the three batters he faced for his first save at the Class A level.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s found a rhythm and doing a nice job,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d commented Lawless. \u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u009dHis slider is starting to work for him, and he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s getting ahead in the count.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Urckfitz has allowed one earned run in his last six appearances striking out 10 in seven and two-thirds innings.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a multiple inning guy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d added Lawless. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve also brought him in to face lefties in some situations.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
After a rough start Urckfitz has settled into his role.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I struggled early in the season locating the ball,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Urckfitz. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t throwing my slider where I wanted.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Over 13 appearances Urckfitz has struck out 18 and walked 6 for the Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
In last year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s NJCAA tournament Urckfitz tossed 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.<\/p>\n
Before signing as a free agent with the Astros, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work with the Webster Yankees of the New York Collegiate Baseball League.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.<\/p>\n
From there Urckfitz made 15 appearances for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.<\/p>\n
Those numbers earned Urckfitz a spot in the Astros\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 fall instructional league at Kissimmee, Florida.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think much of you, they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t invite you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Webster Yankee Coach Dave Brust of the invite to fall league. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s an investment.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
For his efforts Urckfitz earned a spot in early Spring Training.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That was a good experience,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d commented Urckfitz. \u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u009dIt was a big challenge with mostly Double-A guys.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
One difference for the 20-year old has been life on the road.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153At first it was an adjustment because we go on the road for eight days at a time. \u00c2\u00a0It took some getting used to. \u00c2\u00a0But it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all right now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Wherever Urckfitz has gone, he leaves behind a positive impression.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not going to meet a better human being than Pat,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said current MCC and former Webster Yankee head coach, Mike Kelly.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153As good of a pitcher as he is, Pat is twice that as a person.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s only a matter of time before Lexington Legends\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 fans learn the same.<\/p>\n