ALBANY, N.Y. – Former University at Albany baseball pitcher Stephen Woods Jr. has been selected to represent Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Woods Jr. pitched for the Great Danes during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons.
 
"It's hard to put into words the amount of honor and pride I feel to have the opportunity to do what I love while representing my Italian heritage," said Woods Jr. "That being said, I've never taken my abilities for granted and whether it be stepping on the mound my freshman year at UAlbany, or now across the globe at the World Baseball Classic, I intend to show my respect for the game of baseball by giving it my 110% with the same amount of passion and intensity that I always have."
 
Out of high school, Woods Jr. was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the sixth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft but chose to play at the collegiate level rather than signing. He started his UAlbany career in 2014, making seven starts in nine appearances. In his second season, he was named Second Team All-America East after leading the conference in opposing batting average (.187) and leading the team in strikeouts, batting average against, and shutouts.
 
"We're very proud of Stephen and his accomplishments over the years," said UAlbany Head Baseball Coach Jon Mueller. "This is a great honor for him and his family to participate in the World Baseball Classic on the big stage."
 
In his final season with the Great Danes, Woods. Jr. accrued a 4-5 overall record with a 5.57 ERA. He made 12 starts, striking out 88 batters in 64.2 innings of work. That single strikeout mark still sits atop the UAlbany record books for the most in a single season. He was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round (No. 245 overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. He remains the highest drafted Great Dane in program history.
 
Since joining the minor leagues, Woods Jr. has played in 116 games while accumulating a 3.58 ERA over 339.2 innings pitched. He has amassed 352 strikeouts with a 23-19 record according to MLB.com.
 
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