NEW YORK - Former Columbia baseball standout Dario Pizzano was named to the Seattle Mariners Organizational All-Star team by Minor League Baseball voters for his success in the league last season.

Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 15th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, Pizzano swung a big stick in the Appalachian League, leading the rookie-level circuit with a .356 average, .442 on base percentage and .953 OPS. After playing the first 53 games of the season with Pulaski (Va.), Pizzano was promoted to the short-season A Everett Aquasox (Wash.). His strong performance continued as he went 7-for-21 with three doubles and four walks in seven games.

"I feel like I couldn't have begun my career in any better way," said Pizzano. "It was very important to start off strong and make an eye-opening first impression. It showed the Mariners that I could play with any level of competition."

Pizzano said his next set of goals include continuing to improve all aspects of his game in hopes to land a spot with the Clinton Lumberkings, the full-season Low A team. His ultimate goal is to one day crack the Major League roster in Seattle.

"My rookie season has been a great experience," Pizzano added. "I have been working extremely hard since the end of last season making improvements, and I am excited to continue my strong performance at Spring Training and make my first full-season team."