Sports

Local Baseball Product Continues Career in Pros

Tom Hackimer
Tom Hackimer

In last year’s MLB draft, the New York Mets selected right-handed relief pitcher Tom Hackimer in the 15th round.

Hackimer, who had just finished his junior season at St. John’s University, Jamaica, following a successful high school career at Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, decided to stay in school for his senior year so he could complete his undergraduate physics degree.

When this year’s draft came around in June, Hackimer, who was named the 2016 Big East Pitcher of the Year, knew his stock had increased after he struck out 71 batters in 53.2 innings and held opponents to a .133 batting average in 28 appearances.

He was drafted in the fourth round this year – this time by the Minnesota Twins. He is currently stationed with the Twins’ Class-A affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

The 22-year-old side-arming reliever has posted a 2.79 ERA through his first seven appearances in the minor leagues.

He left St. John’s as a two-time All-American, a two-time unanimous All-Big East selection and set program records with 124 appearances and 36 saves in his four seasons.