Lehigh University Athletics
Berger inks FA deal with Arizona Diamondbacks
6/29/2010 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – On Monday morning, former Lehigh pitcher Andrew Berger faced a tough decision. It had been two weeks since the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft and the All-Patriot League righthander went undrafted and had not received any free-agent offers. By Monday afternoon Berger was contemplating a job offer in business in New York, one that would likely force him to give up his professional baseball dream. Then, the Arizona Diamondbacks called. Berger agreed to a free agent contract with Arizona Monday night and will be joining the Diamondbacks short season A-ball team.
“It’s a dream for a lot of kids to grow up and play pro ball,” Berger explained on his way to the airport. “I’m thankful for my parents and all the time and effort they spent helping me get here. In just a short time I’ve heard from a lot of my teammates, and coaches and Lehigh alumni. There’s been a lot of excitement. It’s been tough to eat or sleep, but it’s exciting, not just for me but for those people who have been there for me along the way.”
Berger is traveling to Yakima, Washington on Tuesday to sign his contract and join the Yakima Bears of the Northwest League. The Northwest League season began on June 18 and runs through the first week of September. Berger will have little time to rest, as he could pitch in a game as early as tonight when the Bears host the Vancouver Canadians at 7:05 (PDT).
A native of Piedmont, California, Berger earned his degree in Finance from Lehigh. He enjoyed a breakout senior season that put him on the radar of professional scouts. Berger started nine games as the Mountain Hawks No. 1 starter, and earned first-team All-Patriot League honors after pitching to a 5-2 record and 3.36 ERA. In 61.2 innings of work, Berger struck out 42 batters and walked just 14. He ranked second in the Patriot League in ERA and led the league in complete games and opponents batting average. Berger also went 4-1 with a 2.65 ERA in five Patriot League regular season starts.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Berger. “From my senior year in high school to my early years at Lehigh the velocity on my pitches was consistent. I always worked hard, but I guess my body just matured a little later. I took some time off last summer just to take a mental break and I came back throwing harder and pitching better. I had a good scout day and some good showings at tryouts the last few weeks. I know I can play at this level, I just needed to get my foot in the door somewhere.”
“I’m excited for Andrew,” added Lehigh head coach Sean Leary. “It’s always nice to see someone’s hard work pay off. He put in the time and the effort to make it and I’m proud to see him earn this opportunity.”
Berger becomes the first Lehigh baseball player to sign with a major league team since Matt McBride and Kyle Collina both signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2006. McBride, a second-round draft pick of the Indians is currently playing for the Akron Aeros, the Double-A affiliate for the Indians in the Eastern League. Collina, a free agent signee of the Indians, spent this past year on the coaching staff at Lehigh after several stops in the Indians organization and a stint playing professionally in Italy.
