June 12, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford football and baseball signee Alvin Hines was drafted in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals Thursday afternoon.

Hines joins fellow baseball signee Lex Rutledge, who was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 26th round.

These selections mark the third-straight year that either a Samford player or signee has been drafted. Last season, shortstop Michael Marseco was selected in the 11th round by the Brewers, while pitcher Joseph Edens was taken by the San Francisco Giants in the 44th round of the 2007 draft. Also in 2007, signee Nicholas Navarro was drafted in the 22nd round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In baseball, Hines hit just under .300, hit four home runs, scored 33 runs and stole 19 bases at Pelham High School. His 19 stolen bases tied a school single-season record and his 55 career stolen bases set a new school record.

Hines was rated the 29th best football prospect in the state of Alabama and the 45th best safety in the country by Rivals.com. He was also rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com.

As a senior, he recorded 130 total tackles, including 70 solo stops. He also intercepted three passes in 2008. As a junior, he had 80 tackles and one interception.