FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sometimes to chase your dreams you have to make tough choices. Mike Wallace came to those crossroads where he had to make one of the most important decisions in the 21 years of his life. The First Team All-MAAC pitcher has decided to follow his dream and start his road in the minor leagues. Wallace has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and will forego his senior season, signing the contract he earned after being selected in the 30th round of the MLB draft this year.
“It was one of the most important decisions of my life,” Wallace said. “Leaving one of the greatest universities in the country and one that treated my extremely well is going to be tough. I have created the best friendships of my life here and I'll never forget my time at Fairfield.”
Originally a non-scholarship player, Wallace exceeded every expectation in his three years with the Stags, leaving sixth all-time in program history with a 3.58 ERA and second all-time in fewest walks per contest with 1.87. Wallace achieved his first goal by earning a scholarship before his junior season and continued to surmount expectations, achieving the best season of his career. Wallace was named to the All-MAAC First Team, tying the conference lead with six complete games, a number that was fourth nationally.
“Every level of success I reach is somewhat a surprise,” Wallace said. “I like to keep the underdog mentality and surprise people who overlook me. I didn't have a lot of offers coming out of high school, but Coach Currier was nice enough to offer me an opportunity. I think that being an underdog has been something that has helped me throughout my career.”
“Everything that Wally has done has been a great accomplishment,” Head Coach Bill Currier said. “He came as a non-scholarship player and we were wondering how he was going to be. He went from being a top reliever to a starter and never relinquished it. For someone to come in and earn that spot so quickly it's a quite accomplishment. His work ethic and his makeup is why he is so successful.”
That work ethic is what Wallace says will help him through the long and grueling road of the minor leagues. Fans noticed that competitiveness every time he toed the rubber. He never had the velocity that would blow hitters away, but he became one of the best pitchers in the league by hitting his spots, changing speeds, and most importantly, outworking his competition.
“It's how I was raised,” Wallace said. “Everything I have accomplished I have worked hard for and nothing has been handed to me. That is something that my coaches have always preached and something I have lived by. The work behind the scenes and the chip on your shoulder will lead you to a successful year.”
“The mental approach is going to be missed the most,” Coach Currier said. “When he's on the mound, he competes and it is fun to watch. He is enjoying the competition against the opposition and it's a great example and the legacy he leaves here for the young pitchers. If you bring the level that he brought every single time he threw the ball, you will be successful.”
If all goes right for Wallace he will join the Bristol Pirates, the Rookie level squad of the Pirates, currently in the Appalachian League. As an organization, the Pirates have long been revered for their minor league system, currently ranking seventh in MLB according to Baseball America. Most of the current starting lineup for the Pirates, have been 'homegrown.'
As for his college education, Wallace still has nine more classes remaining to graduate, but hopes to earn his diploma from Fairfield before his brother (current Stag Gavin Wallace) graduates in three years, which he calls something that is of “utmost importance.”
“Leaving the program was a hard decision but I feel it's the right baseball decision,” Wallace said. “With that being said the time at Fairfield is not over. I still need two semesters to graduate and I'll certainly be in and out through the fall semester.”
