June 9, 2008

Moraga, CA - Two players with ties to Saint Mary's College baseball had a big weekend June 6-7 when they were selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur draft. Current Gael, Joel Staples, and future Gael, Troy Channing, were selected on the second day of the draft.

Junior Joel Staples was taken in the 44th round (1,381 overall) by the Florida Marlins. Staples got hot in time for conference play this season, batting .292 overall with 52 hits in 178 at bats; knocking in 15 doubles; five triples, and two homeruns; and crossing the plate 34 times and knocking in 27 on the season. He was named first team all conference for his play in the West Coast Conference, where he hit .379 with 25 hits and 12 RBI.

Channing, a senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, CA is one of the gems of head coach Jedd Soto's 2009 recruiting class that has been nationally recognized by Baseball America. Channing, a catcher, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 40th round, (1,212 overall). Channing led the Foothill Falcons in every offensive category, hitting .475 this spring, scoring 28 runs, knocking in 25 RBI, clubbing five doubles, four triples, and seven long balls. He also slugged 1.033 and had an on-base percentage .626.