Gavin Cecchini

Gavin Cecchini
Cecchini with the New York Mets in 2019
Second Baseman
Born: (1993-12-22) December 22, 1993 (age 30)
Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 11, 2016, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
October 1, 2017, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Batting average.217
Home runs1
Runs batted in9
Teams

Gavin Glenn Christopher Joseph Cecchini [1] (/ˈɡvən ɪˈkni/; born December 22, 1993) is an American former professional baseball second baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets.

Early life[edit]

Cecchini was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and attended Alfred M. Barbe High School. Prior to the 2012 MLB draft, Cecchini was regarded by Perfect Game as "good athlete, highest level hitter and outstanding middle infield tools."[2]

Cecchini was a member of the South Lake Charles Little League team that represented Lake Charles, Louisiana and the Southwest region at the 2006 Little League World Series.[3]

Cecchini initially committed to play college baseball for the LSU Tigers, before switching his commitment to Ole Miss.[4] He was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft with the 12th overall pick.

Professional career[edit]

New York Mets[edit]

Cecchini with the Mets in 2016

Cecchini began his professional career in 2012 with the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League, batting .246/.311/.330, and then was promoted to Brooklyn Cyclones for five games in which he was hitless to end the season.[5] Baseball America ranked him as the #2 prospect in the Mets system and the Appalachian League's #12 prospect following the 2012 season.[6] He began the 2014 baseball season as a member of the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Class A South Atlantic League, and for three teams in aggregate he batted .247/.328/.378.[7]

He was promoted to the Major Leagues on September 6, 2016.[8] He made his Major League debut on September 11, striking out in a pinch hit appearance at Turner Field. On September 24, he hit his first career hit, an RBI double.[9] For the season, he batted .208/.253/.273.[5]

Cecchini was designated for assignment on January 28, 2019 following the signing of Justin Wilson. He was outrighted on February 1, 2019 but was invited to spring training.[10][11] After recovering from injury, he was assigned to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.[12]

Canberra Cavalry[edit]

On November 8, 2019, Cecchini signed with the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League.[13] He abruptly quit his contract with the Canberra Cavalry due to concerns about air pollution caused by bushfires.[14]

Arizona Diamondbacks[edit]

On January 29, 2020, Cecchini signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[15] He was released on May 22, 2020.[16]

Sugar Land Skeeters[edit]

In July 2020, Cecchini signed on to play for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Constellation Energy League (a makeshift 4-team independent league created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) for the 2020 season.

Los Angeles Angels[edit]

On May 12, 2021, Cecchini signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels organization.[17] He split the season between the Double–A Rocket City Trash Pandas and Triple–A Salt Lake Bees. In 91 games between the two affiliates, Cecchini batted .259/.290/.358 with 5 home runs, 36 RBI, and 7 stolen bases. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.[18]

Personal life[edit]

He is the younger brother of Major League infielder Garin Cecchini.[19]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Gavin Cecchini". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  2. ^ "Gavin Cecchini Baseball Profile - Perfect Game USA". Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  3. ^ League, Little. "Major Leaguers Played in LLBWS". Little League. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  4. ^ Parham, Chase (April 11, 2011). "Ole Miss lands elite shortstop". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  5. ^ a b Gavin Cecchini Baseball Statistics [2012-2017]
  6. ^ "BaseballAmerica.com: Stats: Gavin Cecchini". Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  7. ^ Gavin Cecchini Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com
  8. ^ Forget Arizona Fall League, Mets' Gavin Cecchini headed to majors - Mets Blog- ESPN
  9. ^ "New York Mets at Atlanta Braves". USA Today. September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  10. ^ Todd, Jeff (January 28, 2019). "Mets Designate Gavin Cecchini, Announce Justin Wilson Signing". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  11. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (February 2, 2019). "Mets infielder clears waivers, will be assigned to Syracuse". syracuse.com. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  12. ^ Matt Eddy (November 7, 2019). "Minor League Free Agents 2019". Baseball America. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  13. ^ Polkinghorne, David (November 8, 2019). "Canberra Cavalry draft Italian stallion Gavin Cecchini to ABL charge". Canberra Times. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  14. ^ "US baseball star Gavin Cecchini quits Canberra Cavalry as bushfire smoke wreaks havoc on sporting events".
  15. ^ "Diamondbacks' Gavin Cecchini: Reaches MiLB deal with Arizona". CBS Sports. RotoWire Staff. January 29, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  16. ^ "Gavin Cecchini Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  17. ^ "Major League Baseball Transactions".
  18. ^ "2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  19. ^ Rosenthal, Seth (June 5, 2012). "Meet the Top Mets Draft Pick: Gavin Cecchini". New York. Retrieved August 28, 2013.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]