Former UConn baseball star and New York Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli has been suspended 50 games for recording a second positive test for a “drug of abuse,” Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.
Mazzilli, 24, is the son of Lee Mazzilli, former Mets outfield, Yankees coach and Orioles manager. Mazzilli, a second baseman, reportedly will serve the suspension at the start of the 2015 season. The Mets also said Mazzilli will seek counseling for his drug issues. The infielder is considered one of the top prospects in the Mets system.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions to Mr. Fred and Jeff Wilpon, Mr. Sandy Alderson and the NY Mets organization,” Mazzilli said, in a statement released by the Mets. “I would also like to apologize to my family, my friends and my fans, who have supported me in my life and my career.
“Unfortunately, in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret. …I couldn’t be more ashamed and sorry. I am fully ready to own up to my mistake and accept the repercussions from Major League Baseball.”
In a separate statement, the Mets said, “We support the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We were disappointed and sorry to hear of L.J.’s struggles. We are pleased that L.J. has sought counseling to address his issues.”
According to the New York Post, Lee Mazzilli, who currently works for the Yankees, said, “There is nothing politically correct that I could say that can soften the blow, my son made a mistake. Just like any other parent out there we are disappointed and hurt when our children make bad decisions. However, we are proud of our son for seeking professional help on his own.
“The only thing now that we can do as a family is love him, support him, and have faith as we’ve always done.”
In a separate statement, the Mets added, “We support the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We were disappointed and sorry to hear of L.J.’s struggles. We are pleased that L.J. has sought counseling to address his issues.”
Mazzilli had one of the most productive offensive careers in UConn history. He was selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2013 amateur draft. He advanced from Class A Savannah to Class A St. Lucie before playing one game with Triple-A Las Vegas.
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