St. John's University Athletics
Red Storms Fallon Selected in Major League Baseball Draft
6/6/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Sure, he lost his hair a couple of times, but Fallon was healthy and he just wanted to play the game he loved. He worked hard and eventually earned a scholarship to play for St. Johns.
On Tuesday, he took his story to another level, as he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round of the Major League Baseball Draft. Fallon was the ninth pick of the round, and the 655th overall, during the second day of baseballs first-year draft.
This is all Ive ever wanted, a chance to play professionally, Fallon said from his New Jersey home. I knew going in that I wasnt going to get taken on the first day, but the Royals called me last night and I knew I had a chance. This is the best feeling in the world.
Im really happy for Chris, St. Johns Head Baseball Coach Ed Blankmeyer said. This is a tremendous way to finish off a very impressive college career. Hes a smart kid who wants to play ball and Im happy to see him get the chance.
Fallon was the first St. Johns player selected in the 2001 draft, and the 20th player to be drafted or signed to a professional contract since Blankmeyer took over as head coach six years ago.
He graduates as the one of the top power hitters in St. Johns history. His 35 home runs are tied for the all-time lead (with Robert Lambraia, 1986-89), while his 45 doubles and 137 RBI rank second and fourth all-time, respectively.
One of only two players to appear in all 53 games this year, when the Red Storm finished 31-22 overall and 13-13 in the BIG EAST, Fallon started 52 games at first base. He finished the season batting .276 with a team-high five home runs and 30 RBI. Fallon had 13 multi-hit games, including a 4-for-5 performance at James Madison, when he hit a home run, three singles, drove in four runs and scored four times.
As a junior, when the team finished 29-22, Fallon tied the St. Johns single-season record with 16 home runs and drove in 57 runs, which tied for the fourth-best mark in school history.
During his sophomore year, when the Red Storm finished 32-22-2 and advanced to the championship game of the BIG EAST Tournament, Fallon finished third on the team in batting with a .346 average and tied for second on the team with 14 doubles and 11 home runs.
Fallon was named to the All-BIG EAST Rookie team following a freshman season when he started 44 of 46 games batted .281 with eight doubles, a triple and three home runs.
I had a great run at St. Johns, and Im disappointed we didnt make the BIG EAST Tournament this year, Fallon said, but Im proud of what Ive done after all that Ive gone through.