Methodist's Chris Perry Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist's Chris Perry has been selected in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Perry was the 540th overall pick in the draft and is the 12th player in Methodist baseball history to be drafted.

"I feel so honored to represent Division III baseball and Methodist University as a top-20 round pick," Perry said. "The draft is something I have been dreaming of since I was a little leaguer. I want to thank everyone at Methodist within the athletic department and the baseball program."

The selection is an incredible honor following a stellar season. Perry was a First Team All-Region and Third Team All-America honoree by the American Baseball Coaches Association. The junior from Cary, N.C. earned a 6-2 record with a 2.14 earned run average and team-high 132 strikeouts. Perry led the nation in strikeouts per nine innings at 12.6 and ranks second in strikeouts. Earlier this year he was named USA South Pitcher of the Year and received First Team All-Conference and All-Tournament recognition. He wraps up his career ranked fourth at Methodist in career earned run average at 2.33 and boasts an 8-4 record in 23 appearances on the mound.

"We are very excited for Chris," Methodist head coach Tom Austin said. "He has a tremendous work ethic and it took him to a draftable level. Coach (Spencer) Martin did a great job and Chris deserves this honor."

Perry is scheduled to report to Jupiter, Fla. by Sunday with the Palm Beach Cardinals. He originally transferred to Methodist from UNC-Wilmington and is one class shy of graduating, but plans to finish his degree when time allows. He is the first Methodist player to be drafted since Blake Maxwell was selected by the Boston Red Sox in 2005 and the second highest selection in school history behind Brandon Bridger's 13th round pick in 1993.

2012 MLB Draft Tracker

Release courtesy of the Methodist sports information department.