Joe Leonard (minors)

Joseph James Leonard

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 5", Weight 220 lb.

• School University of Pittsburgh
• High School Connellsville High School

• Born August 26, 1988

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Joe Leonard was the 2010 Big East Conference Player of the Year. His father John Leonard and brother John Leonard Jr. both played professionally.

Joe Leonard hit .449 in his high school career, including .500 as a senior. He came to Pitt and was a starter as a freshman, hitting .335/.381/.498 to lead the team in average. A third baseman primarily, he fielded .973. He also pitched four games. In 2009, the sophomore batted .316/.365/.480 while going 1-1 with two saves and a 7.27 ERA. His 35 RBI were second on the team behind All-American Chris Sedon.

Leonard blossomed as a junior, hitting .433 and setting school records for hits (104), doubles (23), total bases, RBI (71) and saves (8). He set the career Pitt record with 11 saves. Going into the NCAA Tournament (which Pitt did not make), he was 6th in NCAA Division I in hits, 12th in average, 36th in doubles, 35th in RBI and 59th in saves. He was named the Big East Player of the Year.

Leonard went to the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2010 amateur draft, the 101st overall selection. He made his pro debut on July 3 for the Danville Braves, going 1 for 3 with a double, run, RBI and two strikeouts.

Sources

• Pitt bio
• "Pitt slugger towers over peers" by Chuck Finder in the 6/6/10 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette