Another graduating Gopher will see his playing career continue as infielder Luke Pettersen has signed on with the local St. Paul Saints of the American Association.

The Saints are no strangers to Minnesota Baseball with ex-Gophers on the roster over the years including infielder Nate Hanson (’08) who retired from professional baseball following the 2017 campaign after three seasons in St. Paul.

The 2018 All-Big Ten Third Team selection started all 59 games this season at second base and batting lead-off for the Maroon & Gold. He led the Gophers with 58 runs scored and finished fourth on the team with his .322 batting average, getting on-base at a .506 clip with 31 walks compared to just 24 strikeouts in 280 plate appearances. He swiped 13 bases in 17 attempts while hitting 13 doubles, a triple, and his first collegiate home run during the 2018 campaign. During his career at Minnesota, Pettersen earned three Academic All-Big Ten selections while hitting .324/.394/.378 with 23 doubles, 17 steals, and walking more than he struck out (58 walks to 55 strikeouts).

A starter for the last two seasons of his 172-game for the Gophers, Pettersen played for the Saugerties Stallions of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League last summer and earned a spot in the 2017 PGCBL All-Star game while slashing .297/.382/.315. He also spent two summers playing in the Northwoods League during his time at Minnesota. His brother A.J. Pettersen, another former Gopher, also played professionally following his collegiate career.