PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Former Hartford baseball standout
Nicholas Dombkowski was recently signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. A starting pitcher, Dombkowski capped off his career with the Hawks by earning America East First Team honors for the second time this past season.
"Nick made an immediate impact on our program the day he stepped on campus as a freshman," said head coach
Steve Malinowski. "He is the ultimate competitor. His passion, confidence and focus helped him develop into one of the top pitchers in the America East and region."
A native of West Springfield, Mass., Dombkowski posted a stellar season on the hill for the Hawks, leading the way in wins (4) and ERA (3.13), while ranking in the top-10 in the America East in innings pitched (60.1), strikeouts (72) and opposing batting average (.194) in 2021. A two-time All-Conference First Team selection who previously earned the honor in 2018, Dombkowski's season was highlighted by an historic performance against UAlbany on May 8 that saw him toss the second no-hitter in program history.
"We cannot thank him enough for all he has done in his four years at Hartford," Malinowski said. "We wish him the very best as he begins his professional career with the Pirates."
Among Hartford's all-time leaders, Dombkowski finished second in career strikeouts (241), second in career starts (41), fifth in innings pitched (254.1) and tied for fifth in wins (16).
A Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American selection in 2018, Dombkowski became the first pitcher in America East history to earn both Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season. That season Dombkowski was also selected to the America East All-Tournament Team after he helped guide the Hawks to its first ever America East Championship.
The Hawks closed out their 2021 season with an 18-20 record on the season and in conference play, narrowly missing a berth at the America East Championship.
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