Mike Diaz Picked By Houston Astros In 30th Round
Of Major League Baseball Draft

Information Provided by Southern Connecticut Sports Information



NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Southern Connecticut State University junior shortstop Mike Diaz (Monroe, Conn.) was selected by the Houston Astros in the 30th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft on Friday.

With the selection of Diaz and teammate Jim Fuller, it marked the first time in program history that two Owls were drafted in the same year.

Diaz becomes the sixth Owl since 1967 to be tabbed in the MLB draft, joining Bob Brooder (Cleveland – 1967 – 45th round), Paul Barretta (New York Yankees – 1969 – 32nd round), Mike Smith (Milwaukee - 1983 – 28th round), Rob Cafaro (Tampa Bay – 1996 – 11th round) and Fuller (2008 –New York Mets - 21st round).

Diaz, who also earned All-America honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, was previously a Daktronics, NCBWA and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region selection, as well as an All-Conference pick.

He finished with the year with 39 stolen bases and eight triples. During the regular season, he led the conference in slugging percentage (.629), runs (53), triples (eight) and stolen bases (38). Diaz also finished tied for second in the NE-10 in walks (107), third in batting average (.412), fourth in on-base percentage (.485), tied for fourth in hits (70) and tied for 10th in doubles (19). He twice hit in 10 or more games in a row, including a 19-game hitting streak from March 21 through April 24.

Diaz has also been selected to participate in the New England College Baseball All-Star Game, which will take place at Fenway Park on June 14. Game time is set for noon.

The Southern Connecticut State University baseball team concluded the 2008 season with a 36-19 mark and reached the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the past four years.