Tyler Townsend Drafted By Orioles In Third Round of MLB Draft

FIU outfielder Tyler Townsend has been selected in the third round (85th overall) of the 2009 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Townsend is the second-highest drafted FIU player ever, second only to Josh Banks, who was selected in the second round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003.

Townsend had a record-setting year for FIU, hitting .426 with 24 home runs and 77 RBIs to go along with 182 total bases. The 77 RBIs and 182 total bases are a single-season records at FIU, while the .426 average and 77 RBIs are both second-best for a single season. Townsend also broke the career-RBI mark this year, as he has driven in 164 runs in his three seasons as a Golden Panther.

After his outstanding junior campaign, Townsend was named to the Louisville Slugger NCAA Division I All-America First Team. The slugging outfielder was also named to the All-Sun Belt Conference First Team.

Congrats to Tyler on a great year, and being selected that high in the MLB draft!!!