Tucker Novotny, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, started the season opener on the mound for the Gophers on Friday during a three-game trip to Arizona. Tucker’s father, Paul, is a Minneota High School graduate and his mother, Heather, is from Marshall. He also has other relatives in the Minneota area. The Novotny’s gathered for a photo while  Tucker played for Park of Cottage Grove. Left to right: His father Paul, sister Tori, Tucker, and mother Heather.

Gophers’ mound stalwart has Minneota connections

Tucker Novotny’s grandpa was longtime band director here

"This kid has a high ceiling," said Willmar Stingers owner Ryan Voz, who has watched his share of players from his team make it to the major leagues.
Voz was referring to Tucker Novotny, a lanky 6-foot-5 left-handed pitcher who is a sophomore for the Minnesota Gophers.
Novotny is the son of Minneota native Paul Novotny, a 1986 Minneota High School graduate, and Heather (Cully), a native of Marshall. They currently live in Cottage Grove.
Novotny's grandfather, the late Richard Novotny, was a longtime band director at Minneota High School. He is the nephew of Bruce and Cindy Novotny of Minneota, and David Afdem of Marshall. His other uncles, Rob and Greg, live in Colorado and Winona, respectively. His aunt, Jane, who was married to Afdem, is deceased.
"He has an opportunity to play professionally," said Voz about Tucker. "Of course, a lot of things have to go right. But he is taking all the right steps."
Tucker pitched for Park of Cottage Grove High School and posted a 10-1 record and a 1.26 ERA. He struck out 146 batters and was named a Minnesota Mr. Baseball finalist. He was heavily recruited by several Division I colleges, including Minnesota, Illinois, USC, North Dakota State University, Wichita State and Valparaiso.He chose the Gophers because "I've always been a huge Gopher fan growing up and feel a lot of pride playing for the team I cheered for my whole life."
Now a sophomore with the U, Novotny was the opening day starter for the Gophers last Friday when they took on UC-Santa Barbara in Surprise, AZ.
"Obviously, I thought I could have thrown a little better, even for this early in the season," said Tucker, by phone from Arizona.
Tucker hurled 3 2/3 innings and allowed four runs, while walking three and striking out five.
"I had more in the tank, but I was on a pitch count because it was only the first game," said Tucker. "I made some good pitches and some where I missed my spots. I'm excited for my next start next Friday, though."
After his freshman season at the "U", Tucker joined the Stingers of the Northwoods League, which is an elite league for college players where several have gone on to play pro ball. He made 13 appearances on the hill for the Stingers, posting a 3-0 record and a 3,69 ERA. In 39 innings pitched, he struck out 56 batters and was selected to the Northwoods League All-Star Game.
"When it got to playoff time last year, Tucker was lights out," said Voz. "He came in one game in relief against St. Cloud with the bases loaded and struck out the side. He's a great kid and it will be fun to see how he grows and develops."
"I loved my time with the Stingers," said Tucker, who was named a top-40 Major League Baseball prospect by the Northwoods League.
He has signed to play in the Cape Cod League, another elite college league, next summer in Massachusetts.
Tucker has traveled to Minneota several times with his parents and sister, Tori, to visit relatives.

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