University of Massachusets Athletics
Greg LaRocca Called Up By San Diego Padres
September 05, 2000 | Baseball
Sept. 5, 2000
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Former University of Massachusetts baseball player Greg LaRocca has been called up to the Major Leagues by the San Diego Padres, it was announced on Tuesday, September 5. LaRocca becomes the third former Minuteman to play in the Majors this season, joining Ron Villone of the Cincinatti Reds and Gary DiSarcina of the Anaheim Angels.
"This is really icing on the cake," said LaRocca, who has spent seven seasons in the minors, including the past three with the Stars. "I think I'm lucky to be up there, and whatever I can do will be a bonus for me."
LaRocca had spent all of the 2000 season with the Las Vegas Stars of the AAA Pacific Coast League. Playing both at second base and third base, LaRocca batted .295 on the year with a league-best 42 doubles and a team-high 80 runs batted in. He led the Stars to a final record of 73-70, the team's first winning record since the 1996 season.
LaRocca batted .320 with 16 home runs and 92 runs batted in during his time at UMass, playing in 123 career games from 1992-94. His best year came during his junior season in 1994, when he hit .367 with a team-high 10 home runs and 40 runs batted in. LaRocca then turned pro in the summer of 1994, after being drafted by the Padres in the 10th round.