Bryant, Knapp and Pinder taken on Day 1

by Chris Jones, 06-06-2013

Kris Bryant (Chatham '11) was selected with the second overall pick in the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Chicago Cubs Thursday. The junior hit an NCAA best 31 home runs for the University of San Diego this spring and is a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award. Bryant played for Chatham in 2011. As a freshman, he hit .223 with three home runs, six doubles and two triples for the Anglers.

Bryant's selection marks the 18th time in 21 years that manager John Schiffner has had a player taken in the first round of the draft. The last time Chatham had a player drafted this high was in 1997. Matt Anderson ('96) was selected with the first overall pick by the Detroit Tigers.

Bryant is the highest drafted player to come out of the University of San Diego, which is coached by former Chatham field manager Rich Hill. He was named the West Coast Conference Co-Player fo the year, and led the nation in in home runs (31), slugging percentage (.820), and runs (80). Bryant finished his junior season hitting .329 with 75 hits, 13 doubles, three triples, and 62 RBI.

Andrew Knapp (Chatham 12) was selected in the second round of the draft by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 53rd pick. The junior Catcher out of Cal hit .350 with eight home runs and 41 RBI. As a sophomore, he hit .293 with 13 doubles, eight home runs and 29 RBI in 40 games for Chatham. He was one of three Cape Cod Baseball League All-Stars from last summer.

Before his junior season, he was named a first-team Preseason All-American by Baseball America and was one of the preseason players to watch for USA Baseballs Golden Spikes award, which is given to the countrys top amateur player.

With the 71st overall pick, the Oakland Athletics selected infielder Chad Pinder (Chatham 12). This past season, the junior out of Virginia Tech hit .321 with eight home runs and 50 RBI in a tough ACC conference. Despite battling a hernia, Pinder managed to hit .278 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 21 games. Pinder is a two-time selection of the All-ACC Academic team.

Rounds 11-40 of the MLB Draft start Friday at 1:00 pm EST. We will keep you updated on all Anglers selected throughout the draft on Facebook and Twitter.

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