Connecticut Huskies
Overall Rank: #28
Conference Rank: #2 Big East
Connecticut Team Page
Connecticut looks to build on a 2011 season that saw the Huskies achieve several program firsts. UConn reached the Super Regionals for the first time ever and won their first Big East regular season title. It was UConn’s second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, the 17th time overall. Head Coach Jim Penders led a group that had three All-Americans, garnered 11 Big East Conference awards and had 10 MLB draftees, nine who are now in the pros. Coach Penders challenge for 2012 will be replacing four of his top five hitters and a majority of his productive pitchers.
2011: 45-20-1, 22-5
2011 Postseason: NCAA Eliminated in NCAA Super Regional (two losses to South Carolina)
Coach: Jim Penders, 9th Season
Field Players:
Senior Ryan Fuller (3B) is one of the four team captains for 2012. Last season he hit .317, hammered six round trippers and knocked in 58 runs, second most on the team. Another of the Huskie team captains, senior Tim Martin was also an All-Conference selection in 2011 and a preseason pick this year. He hit .298, slugged four homers and drove in 29. Senior and team captain Billy Ferriter provides speed and experience to the squad. The outfielder stole 16 of 19 bases and played in 63 of last year’s 65 games.
Pitchers:
Coach Penders lost five pitchers that accounted for 50 of last season’s 66 starts. Senior David Fisher comes back for his final year, passing on his opportunity to go pro after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants last June. Named one of the team captains, he appeared in 24 games for the Huskies in 2011, striking out 43 in 49 innings of work. Brain Ward got 10 starts as a freshman in 2011, going 6-1, posting a 3.28 ERA and striking out 53 in 60 innings. Additionally, eight freshman pitchers, five right handers and three lefties, have joined the squad for the 2012 campaign.
Who to Watch:
Second baseman LJ Mazzilli was an All Big East selection in 2011 and will likely lead the Huskies on offense. The junior preseason All-Conference pick led last year’s team in hits (93) and spent the summer on the USA Collegiate National Team. Mazzilli hit .338, knocked in 32 runs and stole 11 bases. Senior Joe Pavone was also selected team captain. The catcher missed last season due to injury and was picked in the Big East Coaches’ poll as preseason All-Conference.
Final Projection:
Coach Penders’ Huskies will need the four senior captains to continue to improve to fill the void created by graduation and the MLB draft. The newcomers will also need to step in and contribute right away on offense and on the hill for UConn to have a chance to repeat last year’s success. If the veterans can increase their productivity and they can get a little help from the freshmen, Connecticut has a chance to compete for their second straight Big East Title and a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: LJ Mazzilli, 2B, 275
Hits: LJ Mazzilli, 2B, 93
Home Runs: Ryan Fuller, 3B, 6
RBIs: Ryan Fuller, 3B, 58
Runs: LJ Mazzilli, 2B, 48
Stolen Bases: Billy Ferriter, OF, 16
Wins: Brian Ward, P, 6
Innings Pitched: Brian Ward, P, 60
Strikeouts: Brian Ward, P, 53
Saves: David Fisher, P, 2
Madness 2012 MLB Draft Rankings:
#72 L.J. Mazzilli
