Tampa Bay drafts NU catcher from Naperville

Posted June 06, 2012 5:34 pm

By Daily Herald News Services

Northwestern senior catcher Geoff Rowan, a Naperville native who played atNeuqua Valley, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 39th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Wednesday afternoon.

Rowan appeared in 52 games this season for Northwestern, including making 49 starts. He ranked second on the Wildcats with a .291 batting average while throwing out 41 percent of baserunners who attempted to steal, recording a conference-best 30 caught stealing.

Rowan also posted 12 multi-hit games as a senior and successfully reached base in 15 consecutive contests from March 10 through April 8.

Northwestern’s coaching staff credited Rowan with playing a huge role in the pitching staff ranking fourth in the Big Ten with a 3.82 ERA overall, including 3.47 in league play. For his efforts, Rowan was named to the watch list for the Johnny Bench Award which honors the nation’s top collegiate catcher.

Rowan appeared in 175 career contests, including making 149 starts. He was twice named an Academic All-Big Ten recipient.

Northwestern's Geoff Rowan of Naperville and Neuqua Valley High School was drafted in the 39th round Wednesday by Tampa Bay. Rowan ranked second on the Wildcats with a .291 batting average while throwing out 41 percent of baserunners who attempted to steal, recording a conference-best 30 caught stealing. Photo courtesy of Stephen J. Carrera/Northwestern

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