Metro State baseball standout Matt McConnell was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 36th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday, June 11.

McConnell is the ninth player in Metro State history to be drafted and will become the 14th Roadrunner to sign a professional contract with an MLB team.

"It's a pretty exciting day for me, the program and especially Matt," Metro State Head Coach Jerry Schemmel said. "He deserves it. He's a talented baseball player who has worked tremendously hard to get to this point. He's a field rat who absolutely loves to play the game, and play the game the right way. We will have a blast following Matt and his professional baseball career."

McConnell said he will likely play for the Phillies' Short-Season Class A team, the Williamsport Crosscutters in Williamsport, Pa. The Crosscutters begin their season June 19 against Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate State College. The Phillies plan on moving McConnell to second base as a professional.

A shortstop, McConnell batted .399 with 24 doubles, 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases as a senior this spring to earn first team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors.