URI Pitcher Selected by Giants in MLB Draft

Rhode Island left handed pitcher Chris Pickering was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 32nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

The Lincoln, R.I. native was the 988th overall pick, becoming URI's 11th player drafted since 2003. This past season, Pickering turned in a 7-7 record, striking out 51 batters over 86.1 innings pitched. 

"I couldn't be more proud of Chris right now," said head coach Jim Foster. "He is an incredibly hard worker and is very deserving of this opportunity. It will be exciting to watch another one of our Rhody players continue on to a career in the pros."

Pickering – who finished his collegiate career with 168 strikeouts and 22 wins – becomes the ninth Rhode Island baseball player to sign with an MLB team under Foster's guidance.

Rams That Have Signed With MLB Teams Under Coach Foster:

• 2012 - Chris Pickering (Linclon, R.I.) - RHP - San Francisco Giants
• 2011 - Stephen Peterson (Danvers, Mass.) - LHP - Milwaukee Brewers
• 2010 - Tim Boyce (Swansea, Mass.) - RHP - Seattle Mariners
• 2009 - Eric Smith (Milford, Conn.) - RHP - Arizona Diamondbacks
• 2009 - Nick Greenwood (Couthington, Conn.) - LHP - San Diego Padres
• 2009 - Dan Rhault (Lincoln, R.I.) - SS - Tampa Bay Rays
• 2009 - Luke Demko (Gilford, N.H.) - RHP - San Francisco Giants
• 2008 - Zach Zaneski (Waterford, Conn.) - C - Texas Rangers
• 2006 - Steve Holmes (Lincoln, R.I.) - RHP - New York Mets

Release courtesy of GoRhody. For the original, go here.