Medlen Drafted by Milwaukee Brewers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida baseball team's Casey Medlen was selected in the 37th round (1,121st overall pick) of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, June 8. Medlen was the only selection off of the 2011 UNF team; however, Ospreys signee Drew Weeks was also selected in the 29th round (879th overall pick) by the Chicago Cubs.

“I am extremely happy for Casey,” head coach Smoke Laval stated. “He has worked hard over the past two seasons and been one of the most reliable pitchers we have had on the team. He is a dominant pitcher who strikes out a lot of batters and doesn't issue a lot of walks. He started for us; he came out of the bullpen; he did it all. I am extremely happy for him and I wish him luck as he continues his baseball career.”

“I am speechless,” Medlen remarked. “I am overwhelmed right now. This is a dream come true. A lot of people told me that I wasn't going to be able to play Division I baseball or that I wouldn't be able to play professionally. I worked extremely hard over the past four years to prove them wrong. I was able to play Division I baseball here at North Florida. I wanted a chance to continue playing after college and the Brewers have given me the opportunity to do that. I could not be happier.”

Medlen, a transfer from Daytona Beach Community College, was one of the premiere pitchers for the Ospreys over the past two seasons. In two years, he recorded a 4.98 earned run average with a 9-5 overall record with five saves. Medlen made 45 appearances in two years, serving primarily as a relief pitcher. He made six starts during the 2011 season. The fireballer tossed 108.1 innings, surrendering 118 hits with 73 runs (60 earned runs). Medlen walked 44 batters, while striking out 122. Opponents batted just .280 against him.

This season, Medlen made 18 appearances on the mound, splitting time as a starter and a reliever, boasting a 5.05 earned run average on the season with a team-best 5-2 record with a combined shutout and a save. He tossed 62.1 innings, surrendering 72 hits, 46 runs with 35 earned runs. Medlen walked just 20 batters while striking out 70 batters. The Apopka, Fla. native led the team in win-loss percentage, wins and batters struck out looking; second on the team in innings pitched, batters struck out and appearances; third in earned run average, opposing batting average, saves and games in relief; and fourth in games started.

Medlen has potential to play for former North Florida baseball coach Dusty Rhodes, who currently works in the Brewers organization.

“Dusty gave me my chance to play at the Division I level,” commented Medlen. “He is a great baseball coach and I would like the opportunity to play for him again. I enjoyed playing for him my first year at UNF.”

UNF signee Weeks was also selected in the MLB Draft, being selected on Tuesday, June 7. Weeks lettered at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Fla., leading the Blue Devils to a 64-24 (.727) record in four years. He was named First Team All-State as a senior and First Team All-District as a junior and senior. Weeks was a member of the 2011 Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) North All-Star Team. He was named Team MVP in 2011 and Defensive MVP in 2010. Weeks hit .395 in his final three seasons of high school, recording 66 hits, 52 runs scored, 22 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 54 RBI. He went 2-for-2 with a pair of home runs as a senior against Menendez High School. Weeks also played football in high school. He was a member of the Creek Baseball Club (CBC) Riverhawks and CBC Storm. Weeks was an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Related News

Related Videos

Footer