Joe Lucas Signs with Gulf Coast League Braves

DCTC star shortstop heading for Minor League Baseball

Joe Lucas

Joe Lucas, a shortstop on the 2010 Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights baseball team, has signed a contract with the Gulf Coast League Braves, a Rookie-level Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Lucas reports to his new team Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, as a prospective pitcher. The Gulf Coast League Braves play at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Lucas was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the National League East of Major League Baseball in the 45th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft, number 1,364 overall. One of 16 players with ties to Minnesota, Lucas was the only two-year college player from the state chosen in the draft. For the full draft picture, visit MLB Draft Central.

After 47 games played during the 2010 Blue Knights season, Lucas led the team with a .440 batting average. He tallied a team-leading 74 hits in 168 at bats, including 15 doubles, eight triples and nine home runs. He drove in 63 RBIs, scored a team-leading 67 runs and was 17 for 17 in stolen bases. Working primarily as a relief pitcher, Lucas posted a 3.68 ERA in 22 innings pitched.

A native of Jordan, Minn., Lucas was named to the Minnesota Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) 2010 All-State Baseball Team and the MCAC 2010 Southern Division Baseball Team. Joe Lucas is the first DCTC baseball player drafted by Major League Baseball.