Curtin’s path winds its way from historic win to first pro contact

Former Bristol Eastern standout Tom Curtin had a strong postseason for CCSU baseball. The right-hander pitched in two games in the Northeast Conference Tournament, including a complete-game victory against Wagner College, and was named its MVP.

What did Curtin do for an encore? Help the Blue Devils win an NCAA postseason game for the first time ever. CCSU defeated No. 24 California 7-4 in an elimination game during the Fayetteville Regional at the University of Arkansas on June 1. Curtin started the game, pitched seven innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits to go along with two strikeouts and two walks.

“I mean, toward the end I definitely felt the full effect of 80 degrees, we haven’t played anything that hot all year,” Curtin told assembled media after the game. “I was just trying to throw as many strikes as I can with all my pitches and give my defense the opportunity to make me plays, as they have done all year.”

“He’s just gone out there and given us a chance to win every game,” head coach Charlie Hickey said. “You know, last week he pitched on two days rest to win the conference championship game, that was part of the reason he didn’t pitch yesterday, but I knew I was going to get a gutty effort out of him. He was going to battle for us and compete.”

Curtin had been converted from reliever to starter, a position he wasn’t in for his first three years at CCSU. Curtin did just fine in his first season as a starter, tying for the team lead in wins with six and leading the squad in innings pitched at 95.2. He started all 15 games he pitched in and compiled a 6-3 record with one complete game and a 3.86 ERA. Curtin struck out 53 and walked 25.

This past Saturday, Curtin signed his first professional baseball contract with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Curtin started his first pro game that same night against the Gary SouthShore Railcats. He pitched 3.2 innings and gave up four runs (all earned) on five hits in a no-decision. Curtin walked three and struck out two.

Tournament MVP, an historic NCAA tournament win, and the first professional contract. It’s been an amazing stretch for Curtin, and he looks to continue it while playing some pro baseball.

Photos: Tom Curtin headshot (credit CCSU)