We continue the countdown today with number 59, Virginia OF/1B Mike Papi. In his sophomore season with the Cavaliers, Papi worked his way into the lineup starting 47 of the 55 games he played in. The 6’3” outfielder was named the ACC’s 2013 batting champion with an impressive .381 average and also led the league in on-base percentage (.517) and finished second in slugging (.619). Papi was a threat at the plate, reaching base safely in 47 of the 55 games. The First Team All-American was also named to the All-ACC First Team and earned an invitation to compete for a spot on the 2013 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.
The Tunkhannock, PA native attended Tunkhannock High School he was ranked the 84th best High School prospect by Baseball America and 104th best High School prospect by Perfect Game. The senior hit .531 with six homeruns, 24 RBI and had an outstanding on-base percentage of .708. The varsity captain was named 2011 Rawlings Second Team All-American and was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 30th round of the 2011 Draft.
During the 2013 summer Papi spent his time as a member of the Lakeshore Chinooks in the Northwoods League. Papi was a late arrival due to a tryout with Team USA but quickly became an impact player in the Chinooks lineup. The utility player ended his Chinooks season with a .313 batting average with 40 hits, 28 runs, 2 HR’s, and 19 RBI’s. In addition to his successful stats on the field, Papi was ranked No. 3 on Baseball America’s annual Top Prospect list for the Northwoods League.
Papi returns to the Cavaliers for his junior season and will look to impress during the 2014 campaign.
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