Budkevics Signs With Los Angeles Dodgers
PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 22, 2010) – Former C.W. Post standout pitcher Pete Budkevics '10 (Deer Park, N.Y.) had a whirlwind week, as he signed a contract with the Windy City Thunder Bolts of the Fronter League located in Crestwood, Ill., but within 24 hours of the signing, his contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers, whom Budkevics then signed with as a free agent.
Budkevics was slated to take the mound on Monday when the Thunder Bolts face the Lake Erie Crushers on the road, however, he instead took a cross country flight to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was assigned by the Dodgers organization to the rookie ball Arizona League Dodgers.
The former Pioneer standout will begin a 10-day throwing program with other free agent signees, and will begin game action thereafter.
Budkevics graduated as the career strikeout leader with 291 K's to his credit. The senior pitcher posted an 8-2 record in his final season in green and gold, leading the team in innings pitched and wins while finishing with a 2.97 ERA. He was named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-East Region and the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) East Region teams in addition to being named ECC First Team All-Conference.
Says C.W. Post head coach Pete Timmes, "Petey is the first guy at the field and the last one to leave. His hard work and dedication has finally been rewarded. He truly has Post Pride."
The 2010 Pioneers set a new school record for wins in a season, finishing 32-17-1 overall, earning a ECC Regular Season and Championship Title, and winning an NCAA Regional tournament game for the first time in over 25 years.