Tirotta, Ricciardi selected on Day 3 of 2021 MLB Draft

UD third baseman Riley Tirotta was an important part of the Flyers’ run to the 2021 A-10 Championship Game. Photo courtesy of the Atlantic 10 Conference on Facebook.

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

University of Dayton senior third baseman Riley Tirotta was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12th round Tuesday, becoming the first Flyer drafted since 2012. Senior second baseman Mariano Ricciardi joined him when he was selected in the 18th round by the Oakland Athletics.

In his first three seasons at UD, Tirotta had a combined batting average of .241, but turned that around in 2021, jumping up to a .337 batting average. The All-Atlantic 10 Second Team and All-Atlantic 10 Championship Team selection played in 51 games this spring, adding 16 home runs, 58 RBIs and a .696 slugging percentage to go with his improved batting average. Tirotta also showed his speed throughout the Flyers’ season which ended at the A-10 Championship Game, stealing 14 bases.

Flyers baseball second baseman Mariano Ricciardi throws towards first base at Day Air Ballpark. Photo courtesy of Dayton Baseball on Twitter.

Ricciardi transferred from Cypress College for the 2020 season, and has a .349 batting average and .455 on-base percentage in his two seasons at UD. Ricciardi drove in 35 runs and was solid in the field (.928 field percentage). He joined Tirotta on the All-Atlantic 10 Championship Team, and finished the season with a 35-game on-base streak.

The last Flyer to be drafted was pitcher Mike Hauschild, who was drafted in the 33rd round in 2012, is currently in the Chicago Cubs organization. Hauschild, son of Hall of Fame Dayton SID, Doug, previously made four Major League appearances for the Texas Rangers in 2017 and two (one start) for the Blue Jays in 2018.

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