Dayton, Ohio - Two Dayton student-athletes were selected on day three of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday afternoon.
The duo of
Riley Tirotta and
Mariano Ricciardi were chosen on the third day of the draft Tuesday afternoon, marking only the second time in Flyers history that two players were selected in the same draft (Cole Tyrell and Cam Hobson in 2010.)
Riley Tirotta was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12
th round, as the 362
nd overall pick. Tirotta becomes the 7
th position player and 16
th overall player drafted from the Flyers' baseball program. He is also the first Flyer to be drafted since Mike Hauschild in 2012. Only Cam Hobson (2011, 11
th round, 333
rd overall pick,) and Craig Stammen (2005, 12
th round, 354
th overall pick) were selected sooner in their respective draft than Tirotta, and he also becomes the earliest drafted position player in Flyers history.
"Riley worked very hard and was disciplined, leading to a great day for him and the program today." remarked Flyers head coach
Jayson King. "He has a very bright future and long career ahead of him. We are all very proud of him."
Mariano Ricciardi was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 18
th round, as the 548
th overall selection. He becomes the 8
th position player to be drafted as a Flyer, and the 17
th overall Dayton draftee. Ricciardi is also the 27
th player drafted under head coach
Jayson King in his career, with Tirotta being the 26
th.
"Mariano was a big spark within our program as soon as he arrived." said head coach Jayson King. "He's a winner and a hitter, and will bring those traits with him to the Athletics organization."
