University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Retires Ty Wigginton's Jersey - UNC Asheville Bulldogs Official Athletics Site
01.01.1970 | Baseball
Jan. 16, 2005
The UNC Asheville Athletics Department retired former Bulldog baseball player and current Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ty Wigginton's number 5 Saturday afternoon (Jan. 15) at halftime of the UNC Asheville-VMI men's basketball game at Justice Center.
Wigginton was the first ever UNC Asheville baseball player to ever reach the major leagues when he was called up by the New York Mets in May of 2002. He was a three-year starter for the Bulldog baseball program from 1996-1998.
In 1998, he enjoyed one of the best seasons ever for a UNC Asheville player. The Chula Vista, Calif. native set school records that still stand today. His records include most doubles in a season with 26, most total bases in a season with 149 and most runs scored in a season with 67. In addition, he became the second player in school history to hit three home runs in a game with three against East Tennessee State and set a record for total bases in that game with 14. Ty also became the first UNC Asheville baseball player to be named National Player of the Week when he was honored after hitting eight home runs and driving in 20 runs during a six-game span. He was named as a first team all-conference performer at shortstop that season.
Wigginton was drafted by the New York Mets in the 17th round in 1998 and worked hard in the Mets' minor league system before getting a call in May of 2002 to report to the big leagues. On May 16, 2002, UNC Asheville had its first player in the major leagues when Ty played for the Mets in San Diego. During the 2002 season, Wigginton hit .302 with six home runs and 18 RBIs.
In the 2003 season, Wigginton became one of the top rookies in major league baseball when he became the Mets starter at third base. He set four Mets' rookie records and led all National League rookies in total bases, walks and triple. At the conclusion of the season, Wigginton was named to the Baseball Digest All-Rookie team.
Last year, he started at third base for the Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting 17 home runs, driving in 66 runs and producing 30 doubles.
"Ty has meant a lot to this program, and we wanted to recognize that today," commented UNC Asheville coach Willie Stewart. "We're very proud of what he's accomplished in getting to the big leagues and the way he's represented himself while he's been there."
