Bowling Green State University Athletics
Kelly Hunt Drafted in 29th Round by Detroit Tigers
June 04, 2003 | Baseball
June 4, 2003
Bowling Green, Ohio -
Bowling Green State University's Kelly Hunt was drafted today in the 29th round (850th overall pick) of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Hunt recently completed his four-year career at BGSU as a two-time All-American, two-time All-MAC first baseman, and the 2002 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year.
"I'm delighted for Kelly," said BGSU coach Danny Schmitz. "He's helped to rewrite some offensive records here at BGSU. He had an outstanding career. I'm pulling for him and I hope he takes advantage of the opportunity."
Hunt recently became the first Falcon ever to be a two-time All-American with the baseball program when he was tabbed Louisville Slugger All-America third team. He was recently named First-Team All-MAC for the second consecutive time and was a 2003 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason and Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American.
This season, Hunt was second in the MAC and fifth nationally with his .439 batting average while he tallied 18 doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 61 RBI, second-best in the league. Hunt's 75 hits were fifth-best in the MAC despite playing in just 45 games (BGSU did not play 11 games due to inclement weather or cancellation). Hunt led the MAC and was 10th nationally with 1.36 runs-batted-in per game. He hit safely in 39 of 45 games played.
The 6-foot-5, 240 pounder was also named MAC West Division Player of the Week on Tuesday, May 20, after going 11-for-22 in his final week as a collegiate player. Of his 11 hits in his final week, eight went for extra bases, including seven doubles and one home run.
Hunt finished his career as BGSU's all-time leader in batting average (.399 avg.), RBIs (197), total bases (434), putouts (1,027), and tied for home runs (45).
Hunt becomes the second Falcon in as many seasons to be drafted by Detroit. Corey Loomis was drafted by Detroit in the 21st round last year.
Season-By-Season Statistics Year Avg. GP AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB Slg% BB/SO E Pct. 2000 .478 14 23 4 11 2 0 0 3 13 .565 4/3 0 1.000 2001 .352 52 201 48 71 14 2 14 49 131 .652 14/28 0 1.000 2002 .402 54 214 69 86 14 1 22 84 168 .785 20/14 2 .996 2003 .439 45 171 33 75 18 1 9 61 122 713 21/17 5 .988 Career .399 165 609 154 243 48 4 45 197 434 .713 59/62 8 .993
