June 8, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford senior relief pitcher Joseph Edens was selected in the 44th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the San Francisco Giants on Friday. Samford signee, Nicholas Navarro, was also taken in the draft, selected in the 22nd round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Edens was the 10th pick in the 44th round of the draft. Edens becomes the first Samford baseball player to be drafted since 1999, when Brian Hitchcox was drafted in the 25th round by the Philadelphia Phillies.

In his Samford career, Edens set a school record with 22 saves. He is also tied for second in school history in wins with 17.

Navarro, the 668th pick overall, helped lead Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., to back-to-back 6A state championships, and he led his summer team, the All-American Prospects, to multiple championships as well.