During the 2011 Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament, University of Florida catcher Mike Zunino got tripped up with a Georgia batter during the first inning as he attempted to throw out a runner stealing second.
As he was falling forward he threw the ball. It hit Florida pitcher Brian Johnson, who was kneeling with his back to the plate, in the back of the head. It knocked Johnson unconscious.
Johnson suffered a “mild concussion” and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
“To trip over a batter and hit your own teammate is not something to be proud of,” said Zunino, remembering the anguishing moment.
However, he has had plenty of moments to be proud of. Zunino spent less than a season and a half in the Mariners’ minor league organization before making his major league debut as catcher for the Seattle Mariners June 12, 2013.
Drafted third overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, Zunino was the highest drafted player in University of Florida history and its only catcher to be named an All-American. He led the Gators to three consecutive appearances in the College World Series from 2010 to 2012.
Selected an All-American twice, he was the SEC Player of the Year in 2011. He was Baseball America’s College Player of the Year in 2012 and won the Johnny Bench Award, Dick Howser Award and Golden Spikes Award.
Being picked third was “an honor. There was a lot of great talent. To know the hard work paid off was really rewarding,” he said.
Achieving his goal of playing in the big leagues came through confidence inspired by faith.
“I always have to stay confident. You have to find your strong point. When times are going good or when times are getting tough, you know that everything else is going to turn out all right,” he said.
His relationship with Jesus “means a lot” he said.
“It’s obviously something that I never take for granted. I am thankful for everything I am given every day. I have always kept a relationship there. I try not to shy away from it at any time.”
He does that through prayer and Scripture reading.
He also has visited hospitals and does as much charity work as time allows.
Zunino has come a long way in baseball since playing for Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Fla., where he was all-state. He was drafted in 2009 by the Oakland Athletics as 873rd overall in the 30th round.
Growing up around the game
He grew up around baseball. His father Greg Zunino played professionally. He called his father his role model. “Growing up with my dad and being around the game got me started.”
Both his father and mother, Paola Accorsi Zunino, taught him to have fun and give his best effort each time.
“I am a competitor and love to win. It comes natural to me. My inspiration is to be the best I can be. I want to put forth a good effort every day,” he said.
In Seattle, Zunino had a .204 batting average through 81 games. He had 58 hits, including 14 home runs, scored 35 runs and had 36 RBI.
As he continues his MLB career he wants to stay even-keeled. “You never get your head too big or too low. I just try to hope for my well-being and happiness throughout my family and my friends. I have been extremely blessed that nothing severe has happened to me or anybody I am related to.”
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