SECAUCUS, N.J. (A.W.)—With the 16th overall pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, their highest draft pick since 1993, the New York Yankees selected Armenian American right-handed pitcher James Kaprielian of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
In his three seasons with the UCLA Bruins, Kaprielian, 21, posted a 17-10 record with a 2.06 Earned Run Average (ERA), and helped lead UCLA to a national championship in his freshman season as a reliever.
Kaprielian had a 33-3 with a 0.96 ERA in high school and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 40th round of the 2012 draft. At the time, Kaprielian decided to attend UCLA instead of playing professionally.
While still in high school, Kaprielian spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the support of the Irvine Armenian community. “There’s a small Irvine community and when they hear about me or read about me, they give me a call,” he said, in the 2012 interview. “There’s definitely a lot of support from the Armenian community.”
Below is Kaprielian’s prospect video.
So proud of James Kaprielian!
God Bless him!
He would be an excellent reason to visit Yankee Stadium. I wish this young man the very best in his baseball career. His initial choice to go on to college instead of signing after high school should serve as an example to all young people. All Armenian-Americans should be excited and proud.
James I am big yankee fan and lived out in Long island in Great Neck, my kids are all big yankee fans, good luck.I knew a Walter Kaprielian an art director in New York .My uncle was George Krikorian a very famous art director for the New York Times and Look magazine He was honored post death , he received the Art Directors Hall of Fame Award in 1979. I live in ct. with my family its a great honor for you and you will do well. Bob.
Awesome!! I have a reason to be interested in baseball now.
I’m a diehard Red Sox fan but I wish James Kaprielian the best.
great for the young man, it’s great to see hyes in the major leagues. the other day I cheere for cam bedrosian for getting the angeles out of a bases loaded jam against our tigers, to help the anges beat our tigers. but I cheered, he was a young Armenian. BRAVO.his father was steve bedrosia, ace closer for the braves and phillies. now we have kaprielian, a future yankee pitching ace. maybe our tigers can get him in a trade deal.the hyes of Detroit would be excited. again young man good luck in a great sports career.—just an 84-year old baseball fan who at age 40 or so saw chuck essegian of Cleveland Indians beat the tigers with a home run. I cheered. he was a hye from fresno. PLAY BALL ARMENIAN PLAYERS.
To our Armenian Friends:
Thank you for your kind words and support of my son James. He has worked hard and will continue to do so as he hopes to have the opportunity to play in the big leagues some day soon. He loves and respects the Armenian community and will represent you well. He is excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Yankee organization. If you would like to learn more about James, go to the YouTube link and search for a video that the Pac12 channel put together (Ucla’s James Kaprielian pitches with mother’s memory in his heart). Best regards. Doug Kaprielian
So proud of you . Made it to the NY Yankees . Awesome achievement James . God be with you today and everyday . You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you . Philippians 4:13 .