June 7, 2005

Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's first baseman Bryan Byrne was drafted in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday afternoon, the first day of the two-day draft. Byrne, a junior from Danville, CA, was selected as the 351 overall pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Byrne, who switched to first base last season, was named to the West Coast Conference First Team this past season and is a two-time First Team selection. Byrne hit .322 with six home runs, 33 RBI, 14 doubles, 32 walks, and 39 runs in 50 games this past season.

Bryan Byrne is a two-time First Team WCC selection.

"It's exciting. Not many players get a chance to play professional baseball," Byrne said. "All the hard work paid off."

The 6-3, 200-pound left handed hitting first baseman has not made a decision on whether or not he will return for his senior year.

"I won't know for sure until later in the week," Byrne said.

Byrne will meet with the Diamondbacks on Thursday. He was told by several teams that were talking to him that he would be drafted around the 10th round.

In his three years at Saint Mary's, Byrne has been very productive. As a freshman he hit .358 with five home runs and 46 RBI. He was named WCC Freshman of the Year and also earned First Team honors. In 2004 Byrne hit .306 with six home runs and 28 RBI.

Also on the first day of the draft, Saint Mary's signee for the fall semester Dylan Johnston, was drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago Cubs. Johnston, a 6-0, 180-pound shortstop from Hamilton High School in Arizona was drafted 130 overall.