Tekavec and Lackaff Chosen In 2000 First-Year Player Draft
6/5/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
OXFORD, Ohio (June 6, 2000) -- Capping off a memorable season for Miami University's baseball team, juniors Nate Tekavec (Concord, Ohio/Riverside) and John Lackaff (Downers Grove, Ill./North) were selected in the 12th and 15th Rounds, respectively, in the 2000 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. This marks the first time in head coach Tracy Smith's four years at Miami that two players were selected in the first 15 rounds.
"This is a great reward for the guys since they put in such hard work throughout the year," said Smith, who guided Miami to its first 40-win season since 1977, when the Red and White won a career-high 45 contests. "They are very excited and we as a coaching staff are excited for them. We will now wait and see if they sign or if they return to Miami next season to finish off their collegiate careers."
Tekavec, who finished the season with a 9-6 mark, was chosen by the Detroit Tigers with the 348th overall pick in the draft. Tekavec led Miami to its first trip to the NCAA Regionals since 1983 this season, capturing the Mid-American Conference title to earn an automatic berth. Tekavec topped Miami hurlers in innings pitched (104), wins (9), strikeouts (79), complete games (10), games started (15) and saves (2).
Lackaff was selected in the 15th Round by the Chicago White Sox as the 442nd overall pick. Lackaff was the RedHawks' offensive juggernaut in 2000 as he led the team in batting average (.354), hits (80), RBI (67), total bases (140), slugging percentage (.619), doubles (19) and at-bats (226). Named MAC Tournament MVP and all-MAC first team, Lackaff broke Miami's single-season records for RBI, total bases and at-bats.
One of Miami's recruits for the 2001 season, Justin Knoedler (Springfield, Ill./Lincoln Land Community College) was selected in the 14th Round by the San Francisco Giants. Knoedler was tabbed the Division II Junior College Player of the Year at Lincoln Land Community College this season.
