Although born in California , Lambert moved to Manchester , New Hampshire , where he attended Manchester Memorial High School . Lambert initially planned to attend Holderness School , but while playing American Legion baseball the summer out of high school his 90 – 95 mph fastball attracted attention from college recruiters . With offers from Florida State University , Clemson , LSU and Boston College , Lambert opted for Boston College , praising its " great academic reputation " , " very good baseball program " and its closeness to Manchester . Lambert started at BC in early 2002 , and immediately made a strong impression , going 9 – 3 with a 2.76 ERA . The Big East conference named him " Rookie of the Year " and " Pitcher of the Year " , while Baseball America granted him " Freshman All-America honors . " In the summer of 2002 , Lambert pitched for the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate Baseball League , going 3 – 2 with a 1.55 ERA in nine appearances . Lambert remained strong for the 2002-2003 academic year , posting an 8 – 2 record with a 2.71 ERA and continuing to receive accolades . Lambert returned to Boston College for a third year , going 6 – 4 with a 3.02 ERA . Impressed , the St. Louis Cardinals selected Lambert as their No. 1 draft pick , 19th pick overall
Big East
Big East Conference (1979–2013)
Chris Lambert (baseball)