YOUNGSTOWN — Dom Bucko's eyes have never left Major League Baseball's amateur draft.

“That's my goal, 110 percent,” the 2017 Knoch graduate said.

After two stellar seasons as an outfielder for Cuyahoga Community College, Bucko is continuing his collegiate career at Youngstown State. He is one of three junior college transfers YSU coach Dan Bertolini recently signed.

The 6-foot-0, 205-pound Bucko hit .386 for Cuyahoga last spring, hitting 14 homers and collecting 58 RBI. He also hit 11 doubles, four triples, stole 14 bases and scored 68 runs.

Bucko was named conference player of the week three times during the 2019 season.

“I've matured so much since I was a freshman,” Bucko said. “Even beyond baseball ... I'm talking about school and life.

“My game preparation is much better. In high school, I would throw a little bit, maybe take some batting practice, then go play. Now I'm hitting off a tee, doing arm exercises and various things to strengthen my game.”

Bucko also hit .358 his freshman year at Cuyahoga, hitting six home runs, compiling 46 RBI and scoring 58 runs. He drew 63 walks in his two years for a career on-base percentage of over .470.

With numerous transfer options — including Kansas State and Virginia Tech — Bucko opted to join a Penguins program that hasn't had a winning season since 2005. YSU was 13-41 last season and hasn't won as many as 20 games in a season since 2010.

Bertolini has been coach of the Penguins for three seasons and has a record of 46-119 there.

“We're excited to be adding him to our program,” Bertolini said of Bucko. “He's got all the tools — excellent throwing arm, good speed, power from both sides of the plate as a pinch-hitter.”

“I feel like Ohio is my baseball home now,” Bucko said. “I feel comfortable playing in this area and Coach Bertolini's father coached me when I played in Youngstown Class B.

“It's close to home and I feel like I'll get an opportunity to play there for a couple of years.”

Bucko is one of five outfielders on the YSU roster. Another four players on the team have outfield listed as a part-time position.

While Bucko said the coaches haven't talked to him directly about his role on the team, “I expect to be in right field.”

Bertolini agreed with that assessment.

Lucas Nasonti, a junior, is a two-year starter in center field for YSU who made the Horizon League's All-Freshman Team in 2018.

“With his throwing arm, Dom's future in baseball at the next level will probably be as a corner outfielder,”Bertolini said.

Bucko was part of a state championship team at Knoch. His Cuyahoga teams won more than 40 games in both of his seasons.

He plans to be part of a team that reverses the Penguins' recent baseball misfortunes.

“I don't plan to lose,” Bucko said. “My goal is to help lead this team to the Horizon League championship. That's going to take 30-plus wins and that probably hasn't happened there in 20 years.

“When you're winning, it creates opportunities for everyone. I learned that during our state title run at Knoch. A lot of (college) scouts started coming around and guys on the team got noticed and received chances to play in college that otherwise may not have happened.

“If we turn around this (YSU) program, scouts are gonna notice. That will draw more attention to myself and my teammates,” he added.

Bertolini doesn't anticipate Bucko having any trouble getting noticed.

“The professional scouts have already been on him,” the coach said. “Hopefully, he'll have a big year for us and will get his name called (in the MLB draft) as a result.

“Absolutely, he's a pro prospect. He's still working on his skills and those skills are pretty darn good right now.”