Two Picked on Final Day of MLB Draft
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 10, 2015) – Two members and one future member of the West Virginia University baseball team were chosen on the final day of the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Junior right-hander pitcher Blake Smith was picked by the Washington Nationals with the 734th pick in the 24th round and senior shortstop Taylor Munden was chosen by the Miami Marlins with the 806th pick in the 27th round.
Incoming freshman right-hander Connor Bennett was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 34thround with the 1015th pick.
Over the past three seasons, 12 players from West Virginia have been drafted. Currently, there are 14 former Mountaineers in professional baseball.
Smith finished the season with a team-high 20 appearances, going 4-1 with five saves and a 3.64 ERA. Smith struck out 38 batters in 29.2 innings en route being named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention team.
“It’s something I have been working toward for a long time now. I’m excited for the opportunity,” Smith said. “I don’t think this would have happened if I hadn’t decided to come to WVU and for that I am grateful.”
Munden led West Virginia and the Big 12 with 11 home runs, while batting .266 with 12 doubles, 31 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
“I am so appreciative of this. I have worked very hard for this my whole life and it is a dream come true,” Munden said. “I want to thank my coaches for making the player I am today and I hope I can carry everything over to my pro career.”
The underclassmen have until Friday, July 17th to decide whether they wish to pursue professional careers or return to WVU.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 10, 2015) – Two members and one future member of the West Virginia University baseball team were chosen on the final day of the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Junior right-hander pitcher Blake Smith was picked by the Washington Nationals with the 734th pick in the 24th round and senior shortstop Taylor Munden was chosen by the Miami Marlins with the 806th pick in the 27th round.
Incoming freshman right-hander Connor Bennett was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 34thround with the 1015th pick.
Over the past three seasons, 12 players from West Virginia have been drafted. Currently, there are 14 former Mountaineers in professional baseball.
Smith finished the season with a team-high 20 appearances, going 4-1 with five saves and a 3.64 ERA. Smith struck out 38 batters in 29.2 innings en route being named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention team.
“It’s something I have been working toward for a long time now. I’m excited for the opportunity,” Smith said. “I don’t think this would have happened if I hadn’t decided to come to WVU and for that I am grateful.”
Munden led West Virginia and the Big 12 with 11 home runs, while batting .266 with 12 doubles, 31 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
“I am so appreciative of this. I have worked very hard for this my whole life and it is a dream come true,” Munden said. “I want to thank my coaches for making the player I am today and I hope I can carry everything over to my pro career.”
The underclassmen have until Friday, July 17th to decide whether they wish to pursue professional careers or return to WVU.
