Nicholls pitcher picked in MLB Draft

A Nicholls State University senior baseball player got the call of a lifetime last Wednesday afternoon.

Colonels pitcher Cole Stapler was selected in the 22nd round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks – the only Nicholls player selected in the three-day draft.

Stapler, a power-based right-handed pitcher, earned his way to the next level after being one of the best pitchers in the Southland Conference last season.

He said the selection marks a dream come true, adding that he can’t wait to begin his minor league career with the D-Backs’ organization.

“I am pumped right now. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to go out and further my baseball career,” Stapler said after being picked. “I’m excited. I’m ready to get this thing on the road and get it going.”

Stapler earned his place at the next level by proving to professional clubs that he can be an ace pitcher in a high-quality college baseball conference.

As a junior in 2016, Stapler was solid in his transition into the weekend rotation. He posted a 5-6 record with a 3.49 ERA in 16 appearances (14 starts) which covered 95.1 innings.

With an offseason to strengthen his stocky, 6-foot, 5-inch frame, Stapler got even better as a senior – further solidifying himself at the team’s ace, while earning several key wins for the Colonels.

In his final season with the team, Stapler posted a 7-6 record with a 3.44 ERA over a team-high 96.2 innings pitched.

His final collegiate start was possibly his best – a complete-game shutout over Central Arkansas in the final weekend of the season.

Nicholls baseball coach Seth Thibodeaux said before the draft that he believes Stapler can be a good pro because of his big frame, but even bigger work ethic.

“He’s always been a great teammate,” Thibodeaux said. “He’s done whatever he’s been asked.”

After the draft, Thibodeaux echoed that same sentiment, stating that he’s proud of Stapler’s accomplishments.

“I am so proud of Cole,” Thibodeaux said. “He has worked extremely hard for this and will make the most of this opportunity. He has given everything he’s got for Nicholls. He is an All-Conference pitcher, has his degree and will pitch professionally. I am extremely proud of him.”

But for Stapler, he said the feelings are mutual.

He said he couldn’t be at this point if not for the love and support he got during his time with the Colonels.

Stapler said his time in Thibodaux was special – some of the best years of his life.

He said as he goes on to the next level, he wanted to thank several people in Thibodaux who he will never forget – folks who he believes helped pave his path to the pros.

“This coaching staff – including (pitching) coach (Zach) Butler and (former pitching coach) Chris Prothro in the past – grooms us and makes us into who we are today,” Stapler said. “I am forever in debt to those guys for what they’ve done to me and instilled in me the last four years. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done.”

Recent history seems to back up Stapler’s words.

With his selection in the draft, Stapler also joins a now growing contingent of Colonels who’ve been picked in the MLB Draft until Thibodeaux’s watch.

Before Stapler, a total of five other Colonels had been picked in the draft in the past few seasons, led by pitchers Brad Delatte and Grant Borne, who were both chosen in the Top 10 rounds of the draft.

Before the draft, Thibodeaux said those professional players give him pride – a sign of how far the program has come from the doldrums it was buried in a decade ago.

“We have some really good baseball played here and throughout our conference,” Thibodeaux said after the season. “Our staff has done a great job in evaluating talent in recruiting and we’ve also done a nice job of developing what we have and making our guys into the best players that they can be – both on and off the diamond.”

For Stapler, the next step will be rookie ball, which will last throughout the summer. After that, he will head into the offseason before really getting into high gear for the 2018 season.

Once that time comes, Stapler’s task will be to work his way up through a Diamondbacks farm system which is in need of a boost, according to experts.

The Diamondbacks ranked No. 29 (out of 30 MLB teams) in minor league depth, according to rankings issued by www.minorleaguebaseball.com.

That could bode well for Stapler as he tries to fight through to the Major Leagues.

But he said thinking about any of that right now is putting the cart well before the horse.

He said his only focus is on his letting it all soak in, while also showing appreciation to those who helped him along the way.

“I just want to thank everybody who’s been with me on my journey so far,” Stapler said. “My coaches, my family, my girlfriend – they’ve all been supportive of me and this is what we all wanted. We’re excited to join the Diamondbacks organization.” •

Cole Stapler

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