FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
DURHAM, N.C. – Four-year starter Ryan McCurdy has rejoined the Duke baseball program as a volunteer assistant coach, head coach Sean McNally announced on Monday.
A 2010 graduate of Duke University, McCurdy will direct all Duke Baseball Academy camps, coach the catchers, and run the bunting program. Additionally he will assist with the daily routines for the hitters and infielders as well.
“Ryan is a special young man who epitomizes the character and the values that we look for in our players here at Duke,” said McNally, who coached McCurdy from 2007-10. “He was a highly successful student, an active force in the community, and a talented player during his time as an undergraduate. We are very fortunate to have him on our staff and know that he will make an impact on all facets of our program.”
A native of Tampa, Fla., McCurdy was a full-time starter at three different positions during his four-year tenure at Duke. After starting at second base as a freshman and third base as a sophomore and junior, McCurdy became Duke’s starting catcher as a senior. Despite never having played the position before, McCurdy did not make an error behind the plate all season and caught 19 runners stealing.
McCurdy ended his career with a .978 fielding percentage and was among the league’s best defensive infielders. He led all ACC third basemen in fielding percentage in 2008 and 2009 and did not make a single error in 28 ACC games as a junior. McCurdy made only 19 errors in 865 career chances.
Offensively, McCurdy posted a .397 career on base percentage and struck out only 44 times in 820 career plate appearances. He was also hit by 69 pitches, setting the ACC career and single-season records in that category.
Academically, McCurdy excelled as well and earned All-ACC Academic Baseball Team honors twice and ACC Academic Honor Roll honors three times.
Following his senior season, McCurdy signed a professional contract with the Houston Astros organization and spent his first season as a catcher at the Rookie and Class-A levels. McCurdy will continue his professional baseball career in 2011 and will stay on staff with the Blue Devils until spring training begins in February.
