Mar 16, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals players celebrate after winning the championship game against the Syracuse Orange at the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden. Louisville won 78-61. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

With Louisville capturing the National Championship in Basketball last night it will be the very last one for the Big East Conference. It is sad to see this conference dismantle since it dominated many different sports especially basketball. As a football fan I know why colleges are moving from the Big East. The reasons are money, power, and being in a respectable conference. Big East football hasn’t been much of anything for a while now, but as a basketball conference they are always one of the best ones in the country.

This is when many people get confused. The Big East recently changed its name to American Athletic Conference or the AAC, but the ‘Catholic 7” are going to keep The Big East as their conference names, so the Big East will live, but it will look a little different.

AAC- downgrade in football and basketball

Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Memphis, South Florida, Southern Methodist, Temple, Boise State, and San Diego State. Current members Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Syracuse are headed to the ACC, and Rutgers is headed to the Big Ten. Meanwhile, East Carolina, Navy and Tulane are scheduled to join the reconstituted and renamed Big East in 2014.

Big East- ‘Catholic 7’- none of these football teams play at an FBS level. Will be good in basketball, but will miss Louisville, Syracuse, and Notre Dame.

DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova are the original members. They want to be an all-sports league with up to 12 members. They have also added Butler, Xavier, and Creighton. Other members will be added at later times.

The old Big East basketball teams had won the National Title 4 times since 2000, which is second most to only the ACC (5), which has gotten stronger with the additions of Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. The Big East will still have strong teams, but they lost two very elite teams in Louisville and Syracuse.

Apr 14, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detailed view of a 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Series ring. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak/St. Louis Cardinals via US PRESSWIRE

He joined junior C Joe Hudson and senior RHP Will Hudgins; all whom are now professional players. This is the 2nd time ever Notre Dame has sent 3 players in 1 Draft.

Sabatino had a career 6-7 record with a 5.01 ERA. Sabatino collected 120 strikeouts in 140.0 career innings, good for a 7.71 per nine-inning average. He limited his opponents to a .269 career batting average.

“Being able to play professional baseball has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” said Sabatino. “Thanks to all the people who never stopped believing in me. I am so grateful for all their support. Notre Dame has pushed me to be the person I am today.” -und.com

Coming off of Tommy John surgery, Sabatino had a rough start to the season this year. He had a rough 9.22 ERA and issued 15 walks over 5 appearances.

However, he calmed down and finished strong. Sabatino recorded a 2.08 ERA with 23 strikeouts and only five walks in his last 22.0 innings of work, something Coach Aoki is proud of.

“Steve is another example of player that earned his draft selection,” said second-year head coach MikAoki. “He missed an entire season with Tommy John, but worked his tail off to be ready this season. Steve struggled early with his command this year, but kept at it and really helped us down the stretch this season.” -und.com

Certainly an exciting time for the Notre Dame Baseball program. Stay logged onto to Slap the Sign for further updates on the MLB Draft.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

June 6, 2012; Washington, D.C., USA; General view of baseballs during batting practice prior to a game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

Hudson was a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award and 2nd Big East All Team in 2012. He was the first Notre Dame catcher to lead the Irish in hitting in over 15 years.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Cincinnati Reds organization,” said Hudson. “This is truly a dream come true. However, my ultimate goal is to become a Major League player. I have a lot of work still ahead of me. I can’t thank the coaching staff at Notre Dame enough for what they have done for me not only as a baseball player but as a person.

I want to thank all of my Notre Dame teammates from this year as well. If I do, in fact, sign, I will certainly miss each and everyone of them.” -und.com

The catcher has always been mediocre when it comes to hitting. But this year has been a different story. Hudson hit .332 with 39 runs scored, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 6home runs and 39 RBI on the season. Even head coach Mike Aoki was impressed with his improvements.

“We as a coaching staff are so thrilled for Joe,” said second-year head coach Mik Aoki. “He has always been a premium catch-and-throw player, but his hard work at the plate paid off with a breakout offensive season. This is a tremendous reward for an outstanding year.” -und.com

Certainly an exciting time for the Notre Dame Baseball program. Stay logged onto to Slap the Sign for further updates on the MLB Draft.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!