NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former University of Delaware pitcher Mike Koplove has been selected to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team’s 24-man roster as chosen by the USA Baseball Executive Committee.

Koplove, currently in his 11th season in professional baseball, will be the first Blue Hen to compete for the U.S. Olympic team when the squad travels to Beijing, China as part of the XXIX Olympiad. The Games begin on August 8 with the baseball competition starting on August 13.

The side-wheeling right-hander pitched for the legendary 1998 Blue Hen baseball team that went 43-10, captured the America East Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Atlantic II Regional.

During his stay in Newark, Koplove went 5-1 with a 4.60 ERA. He made nine appearances on the mound, including eight starts, while striking out 42 in 43 innings of work. At the plate, he also laid down 10 sacrifice bunts, which still stands as the all-time single-season program record.

Following the 1998 season, he was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 29th round of the June Draft.

Since joining the professional ranks, Koplove has spent parts of seven seasons in the Major Leagues, including six with the Diamondbacks. During that span, he has gone 15-7 with a 3.82 ERA and two saves.

A veteran of 10 minor league seasons as well, he is currently pitching for the Las Vegas 51s of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization.

One of the most experienced members of the U.S. Olympic team, Koplove will join an elite group of players who are looking to recapture the Gold Medal that the team won in 2000. Top Minor League prospects Matt LaPorta, Colby Rasmus, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson all will compete for America.

The squad will be guided by Davey Johnson, a former All-Star second baseman and 1997 American League Manager of the Year. The coaching staff also includes former Angels’ manager and pitching coach Marcel Lachemann and seven-time All-Star Reggie Smith.

Since baseball was recognized as an official medal sport in Olympic competition in 1992, the U.S. has finished fourth (Barcelona, 1992), third (Atlanta, 1996), and first (Sydney, 2000). The team failed to quality for the Athens Games in 2004.

2008 Olympic Roster (as of July 16)