Fresno State Athletics
Two Baseballers Selected In MLB Draft
6/5/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 5, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Relief pitcher Hans Smith (Sr., Central Point, Ore.) and outfielder Anthony Acevedo (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif.) both were selected in the first day of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday. They became the 131st and 132nd players, respectively, chosen during head coach Bob Bennett's 32-year tenure at Fresno State.
"I was glad to see two seniors drafted on the first day," Bennett said. "I think both were very deserving."
Smith was chosen by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with the sixth pick of the 11th round (316th overall). The first-team All-WAC pick is coming off a senior season that saw him lead the Bulldogs in appearances (33), saves (9), wins (8) and ERA (2.56). His nine saves were the third-highest single-season total in school history and he finished his career with a school-record 17 saves.
"I think Hans has the potential to reach the big leagues in three years," Bennett said. "He has all the makings of a big-league pitcher. He is left-handed, has great control and knows how to pitch."
Acevedo was selected by the Houston Astros in the 13th round (397th overall) and will be moved to first base. The two-time All-WAC selection hit .313 this season and led the team in runs scored (52), home runs (9), RBIs (56) and multi-RBI games (16). The 1999 honorable mention All-American also tied for the team lead with 20 doubles and finished his career with 44 two-baggers, which ranks fifth on Fresno State's all-time chart. He is the only two-year player in the Top 5.
"I was really happy to see Anthony get selected," Bennett said. "He is a quality hitter who will only get better playing everyday. He has all the tools necessary to be a good big-league hitter. I think the move to first base is good for him."
The draft consists of 50 rounds and will continue through Wednesday.
