Madison, WI – June 6, 2013. Former Madison Mallards pitcher Jonathon Crawford was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Detroit Tigers tonight in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. He becomes the highest player drafted in Mallards history. Crawford just completed his junior season at the University of Florida.
Crawford, a 6’1″, 205-pound right hander from Okeechobee, Florida played for the Mallards in 2011 following his freshman season with the Gators. He went 2-2 with a 5.21 ERA for the Mallards in 38 innings pitched while starting eight games and appearing in 13. He proved to be electric by striking out 51 batters.
As a junior this season for the Gators Crawford was 3-6 with a 3.84 ERA in 86.2 innings pitched. He started in all 15 games he played in and struck out 69 batters. He spent the summer of 2012 playing to the USA Collegiate National Team and finished 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA. The summer was highlighted by a pair of victories of Cuba in Havana.
Crawford established himself as one of the best pitchers in college baseball in his sophomore season. He was dominate all season long and compiled a 6-2 record and 3.13 ERA over 19 appearances, including 14 starts. His best performance of his career came in Florida’s NCAA Tournament opener against Bethune-Cookman when he threw a complete game no-hitter in a 4-0 Gators victory.
Prior to playing for the Mallards, Crawford had a 4.91 ERA in five appearances during his freshman season.
The Mallards return home to the “Duck Pond” Friday night for a 7:05 pm game against the Woodchucks. That night marks Charter Communications Duck Dynasty Night. Fans can meet Mountain Man from the show! The “Duck Pond” will also be hosting the Madison Duck Call Championships and fans are encouraged to bring their duck calls. It is also Potosi Brewery Night.
The 2013 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale now!
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
