Michigan State University Athletics
Two Spartans Sign Professional Baseball Contracts
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 10, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State junior catcher Joe Kalczynski (Farmington, Mich.) and senior outfielder Mike Wagner (Cincinnati, Ohio) have both signed professional baseball contracts and will begin playing in the minor leagues this summer.
Kalczynski was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 31st round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft on June 3. He will begin his career with the Missoula Osprey in Missoula, Mont. The Osprey are Arizona's affiliate in the Pioneer League. The Pioneer Baseball League is classified Rookie Advanced, meaning no more than 17 of the 30 active players on each roster may be more than 21 years or older.
The 6-4, 200-pound Kalczynski hit .287 during the 1999 season with two home runs and 37 RBI. His 37 RBI tied him for second best on the team. Defensively, he was just as impressive, leading the Big Ten with 26 runners caught stealing. In over 300 chances, he had only two errors. For his efforts, Kalczynski was honored as Michigan State's Most Valuable Defensive Player.
Wagner, who was not selected in the draft, has signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Padres. He is attending a free-agent camp while awaiting his minor league assignment.
The 6-1, 175-pound Wagner hit .276 with nine home runs and 29 RBI during his senior campaign. His nine round-trippers led the Spartans as did his 46 runs and 15 stolen bases.
