NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
SECAUCUS, N.J. – Niagara pitcher Daniel Procopio was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday. Procopio was the 295th overall pick.
Procopio, a 5-11 righty from Toronto, Ontario, is the seventh Purple Eagle since 2005 to be drafted: James Avery, Dan Griffin and Reed Eastley (2005), Jeff Vincent (2006), Wynton Bernard (2012) and Jordan Schwartz (2014).
“I’m proud of Daniel for working himself to the pro level,” said Purple Eagles head coach Rob McCoy. “He’s always been ultra-talented, but his dedication to the mental game was truly what took him from a gifted 22nd-rounder out of high school to a polished 10th round prospect out of Niagara. He’s battled setbacks and adversity with grit and persistence. We wish him the best and know he will make the most out of this opportunity.”
Procopio was an integral part of the Niagara squad during his three years with the team. The 2017 season was Procopio’s most successful. He went 6-4 on the mound, tying for the fifth-most wins in a single season in NU baseball history. He led the pitching staff in strikeouts with 75 in 58.0 innings pitched and held opponents to an impressive .203 batting average. Procopio started a team-high 12 games on the mound and pitched his first career complete game, as well as recording a career-low ERA of 4.19. He was named MAAC Pitcher of the Week after striking out a career-high 12 batters in 6.0 innings pitched in NU’s victory over La Salle on March 3.
“I’ve been drafted before, but the feeling is still the same,” said Procopio. ” The wait was worth it and now I’m excited to start my pro baseball career. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.”
Procopio, who was also selected out of high school by the New York Mets in the 22nd round of the 2013 MLB Draft, finished his collegiate career with 144 strikeouts in 130.1 innings pitched, four saves, a 6.01 ERA and, over three years, held his opponents to a .228 batting average.
