SMITH SELECTED BY LA ANGELS IN 2019 MLB DRAFT

PRINCETON, N.J. - Ryan Smith was selected by the Los Angeles Angels during day three of the Major League Baseball Draft. Smith was picked in the 18th round and No. 541 overall by the Angels. It marks back-to-back seasons that Princeton has had a person picked as Ben Gross was selected by the Houston Astros in 2018. Gross did a graduate year at Duke this season and was selected in the 10th round by the Minnesota Twins yesterday. "I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to continue my baseball career at the next level," said Smith. "It has been a dream of mine since I first picked up a ball. I can't thank Princeton, especially the baseball team, enough for the opportunity to play and get an education at the highest level. I will always be grateful for my coaches and my teammates at Princeton and will remember my time there fondly. I am looking forward to representing the entire Princeton community throughout the rest of my baseball career." Smith broke out as a sophomore as he led the squad in appearances (21) and saves (five). He went 1-1 with a 3.82 ERA in 35 1/3 innings along with 35 strikeouts. As a junior, the Garden City, N.Y., native made the transition to a starter's role. In 10 starts, he went 1-5 with a 6.00 ERA, but struck out 52 batters in 48 frames of work. Smith's senior year was outstanding as he nabbed a 5-4 record in 12 appearances. He collected a 3.45 ERA in 75 2/3 innings, securing 76 strikeouts. His 76 strikeouts were the seventh-most in a single-season in program history while his career total (176) were tied for ninth.