Mark Appel, in baseball cap, shares a moment with Andrew Luck, another Cardinal athlete who postponed his professional career to finish up at Stanford.
MARK APPEL, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, has decided to return to Stanford and earn his degree before pursuing a professional baseball career.
“After much thought, prayer and analysis of both opportunities, I came to the conclusion the best decision is to remain at Stanford continuing my studies, finishing my degree and doing all I can to assist the Cardinal baseball team in our goal to win a national championship,” said Appel.
“I greatly valued the prospect of a professional opportunity and I will pursue a professional baseball career after getting my Stanford degree,” Appel added. “I am blessed that God has given me the opportunity to choose between two great options and the talents to play baseball. I am also thankful for the love, support and guidance from everyone who helped me make this decision.”
“I respect Mark’s decision and obviously we are all excited to have him back at Stanford for his senior season,” said head Stanford baseball coach MARK MARQUESS. “He is one of the premier pitchers in college baseball and will again play an integral role in our quest to get back to the College World Series. I’m sure it was a difficult decision for him and his family, but I know Mark is excited to complete his degree in engineering and then embark on a long and successful pro career.”
Read the full announcement on the Stanford Athletics website.
