Pitt stars Kevan Smith and Joe Black were taken in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Smith went to the Chicago White Sox at 231st overall and Black went six picks later to the San Francisco Giants.
I expected Smith to be taken - he led the Big East in hitting and was a first-teamer each of the past two seasons, but I knew less about Black, who throws in the upper 90s.
Head coach Joe Jordano thinks both have bright futures.
Starting with Smith:"Kevan may have been one of the most talented players in the draft," head coach Joe Jordano said. "For a senior to be drafted in the 7th round, it proves his value and his skill set. We all very much look forward to watching his professional career. He was an integral part of our team and I am very happy he decided to play baseball a few years ago. He has worked very hard and I believe his best years are ahead of him."
On Black:
"It is exciting to see Ray be drafted in the 7th round," Jordano said of Black. "Ray has a big arm with a ton of upside. He is in a great position right now and whatever decision he makes, he will be in great shape. Ray has worked very hard and is a great team player who deserves everything that comes his way."
It goes without saying that I'm not a huge college baseball fan. Heck, I don't even know anyone who is. But Pitt's had several players taken in recent drafts and with the new facilities and being on the cusp of NCAA College World Series' berths, Pitt is really moving in the right direction with the baseball program.