Monmouth's Terry Drafted By Tampa Bay

For young baseball players, being selected in the Major League Baseball Draft means the end of their college or high school careers and the beginning of a journey that they hope will culminate with a call up to the big leagues.

Monmouth University senior infielder Ryan Terry will get a chance to live that dream after he was selected by the Tampa Rays in the 21st round of the draft on Tuesday afternoon. 

"When I got the news that I was selected in the 21st round I was really excited," Terry said in a statement.  "I am really thankful to being given this opportunity to play professional baseball.  It truly is an honor."

Terry was named New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association Player of the Year and gained national recognition when he named a Louisville Slugger/TPX All-American Third Team honoree.

Terry is also Monmouth's all-time hit leader with 274 career base knocks, and registered a .382 average this season.

"We are very happy for Ryan," Monmouth University Head Coach Dean Ehehalt said in a statement.  "He can start to pursue his dream of being a professional player after having a stellar college career.  He definitely has worked hard to achieve being drafted.  I am certain he will play hard every day and compete on every pitch."