Chitwood hears name called on draft day

NEW YORK - Junior right-hander and former Patriot Logan Chitwood was selected with the 575th overall pick in the 19th round by the Oakland Athletics.

"It's an incredible feeling that I've waited all my life for," said Chitwood, drafted on the second day of the 2010 MLB first-year player draft. "Just to hear my name called is an awesome feeling. I'm going to fight for a position and work my hardest and do whatever I can to help the organization."

Chitwood is the 22nd player in former athletic director James Vilade's era to ink a professional contract and the second highest draft pick to come out of UT Tyler. He is second only to Nate Jennings, who was a 15th Round selection by Toronto in 2007.

After signing, Chitwood headed to Phoenix, Ariz., to attend extended spring training and rookie ball before leaving for Vancouver, Canada to play with the Vancouver Canadiens (short season A) in the Northwest League.

In his only season with the Patriots, Chitwood went 5-2 with a 3.12 ERA and was tied for third in the ASC with six saves. He struck out a team-high 53 against just eight walks, holding opponents to a .229 average in 34 2/3 innings.