Concordia University Chicago Athletics

Jim Paduch BA ’06 received his degree in business management.
 
Paduch played shortstop, first base and pitched for the Cougars from 2001 to 2003. He batted .277 over 375 at-bats and holds the career record for triples with 14. On the mound, Paduch led the Cougars in saves in 2002 before becoming a dominating starter in 2003. That year, he went 7-3 with a 2.33 ERA and struck out 66 batters in 77 innings. In 2003, Paduch was named the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Pitcher of the Year and Player of the Year.
 
Paduch was selected in the 12th round (351st overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds. In September 2003, he pitched a no-hitter for the Class A Billings Mustangs in the championship game of the Pioneer League and was later honored by the Reds at Great American Ballpark.
 
Paduch enjoyed an 11-year career in professional baseball, moving as high as the Reds’ AAA affiliate in Louisville in 2006. Paduch was a part of another league championship team in 2009 when he went 3-0 including a decisive fifth-game win for the Lincoln Saltdogs. He was also a part of championship teams with the Gary/South Shore Rail Cats in 2007 and the Durham Bulls in 2013.
 
Paduch served as an assistant coach for the Cougars and was part of the team’s first regional appearance in 2009.