Nick Skala, a catcher for the Concordia University Chicago baseball team who the Baltimore Orioles selected in the 37th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, has announced he’ll return to the school for his final season.
“I felt like I had some unfinished business with our team,” said Skala, who was the 1,115th pick overall. “We were one game away from winning the conference tournament and going to regionals. I think that we will be in a position to take that step next season, and I want to experience that with my coaches and teammates. Also, it is important to me to complete my studies and get my degree in physical education.”
A first team All-Midwest Region selection and the Northern Athletics Conference Position Player of the Year, Skala batted .390 with 10 homers and 63 RBIs last season. He helped lead the Cougars to a 20-2 record.
Skala was the third Concordia Cougar to be drafted, following Jim Paduch (2003, 12th round, Cincinnati Reds) and Jack Walker (2009, 20th round, Washington Nationals).
