Roberts Selected By Milwaukee In 38th Round of 2008 MLB Draft
LEXINGTON, Va.– Junior Michael Roberts became the second Keydet selected by Milwaukee on Friday when he was drafted in the 38th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Roberts (Prince George, Va./Prince George) joins classmate Michael Bowman in being drafted by the Brewers, who selected Bowman in the ninth round. Along with senior Trey Barham (25th round, Oakland), it marks only the second time in school history that three players have been drafted in the same year. In 2003, Jeremy Harper, Andy Barden and Phil Hendrix were each drafted, with Hendrix going to the Brewers.
“This is something that I’ve always wanted,” said Roberts. “As a little kid and all growing up, that’s what you want to do. I’m ecstatic. Not many people have a chance to play professional baseball, and I’m grateful that Milwaukee has given me this opportunity. VMI has taught me so much, not only about baseball, but about dealing with adversity and instilling discipline.”
Roberts enjoyed a career year as a junior, setting career bests in nearly every offensive category. He ranked second on the Keydets with 44 RBIs and hit .298 with nine doubles, nine home runs, a .480 slugging percentage and .372 on-base percentage. He was also named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List earlier this season.
“Mike is one of the hardest working catchers that I’ve ever coached,” said VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry. “He has put in the time in improving his game, and certainly deserves this opportunity to play professional baseball.”
Bowman and Roberts become the first Keydet juniors to be drafted since Ryan Glynn was taken in the fourth round of the 1995 draft.
