Chaminade Alum Colantonio Drafted by Padres

 alum Matthew Colantonio was selected in the 22nd round, 683rd overall, by the San Diego Padres in this year’s Major League Baseball draft Tuesday out of Brown University.

The Garden City native and senior catcher joins John Lannan (Nationals), Gene Larkin (Twins) and former hurler turned pitching coach Mark Connor (Orioles) as the most notable Flyer alums to be associated with a professional baseball organization.

“Yesterday was hectic with phone calls and the whole process, but it was such a relief once I received that call from the Padres,” said Colantonio in a statement through Brown. “I've been getting emails and calls from alumni, so its great to know that the Brown community is proud of my accomplishment.” 

Colantonio led Brown with a .301 average and started all 42 games behind the plate. He hit one home run and recorded 13 RBI his senior season en route to an All-Ivy selection this year.

His 12 doubles and .424 on-base percentage also led the club and his 15 strikeouts were the lowest for any regular starter in the lineup.

At Chaminade he was team MVP his senior year and helped Chaminade win a CHSAA title. He led the team with a .685 on-base percentage and 26 RBI and led all Catholic League catchers with a .994 fielding percentage.

He joins West Islip native and Stony Brook alum Nick Tropeano as the only other Long Island name taken through the first two days of the draft.

The Padres did not comment on their later round picks as of early Wednesday morning.

“The last four years at Brown were the best years of my life so far and I'm hoping that my selection opens the door for future Brown baseball players looking to enter the draft,” Colantonio said.