Home VMI outfielder Matt Pita chosen in 12th round of MLB Draft
Baseball

VMI outfielder Matt Pita chosen in 12th round of MLB Draft

Chris Graham

vmi baseballVMI outfielder Matt Pita has been selected by the New York Yankees in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, held Wednesday via conference call. Pita becomes the second Keydet drafted so far this season, joining pitcher Josh Winder (7th Round, Twins).

Pita just wrapped up a season that saw him finish in the top-five in the SoCon in 10 different categories, including leading the league in slugging percentage and total bases and finishing second in batting average. He also was named First Team All-SoCon and First Team All-ECAC, becoming the first player in VMI history to accomplish the ECAC feat.

Pita set a new school record in total bases, hit the first inside the park home run by a VMI player since 2008 and broke the single-game VMI record with six stolen bases in an April game against Longwood.

“I’m happy and excited to be a part of such a great organization,” said Pita. “Putting on the pinstripes as a New York Yankee has always been a dream of mine, but I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without all the support I’ve received from my family, coaches and friends. I can’t wait to get started and be a Yankee.”

With the selection, Pita becomes the first VMI player to ever be drafted by the Yankees.

The 2018 MLB Draft continues throughout the day Wednesday.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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