Senior right-handed pitcher Todd Eaton became the second Saluki and 11th Missouri Valley Conference pitcher selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Eaton was selected 1,023rd overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 34th round.

“It’s awesome,” Eaton said. “It’s a childhood dream obviously. This is the first time it’s happened and it’s pretty cool. It feels pretty good.”

Eaton said he likes that a lot of MVC pitchers are getting drafted because he will be able to play against familiar faces.

“I’m sure we’ll have a decent conversation before or after the games,” Eaton said. “It’s pretty cool playing against people you’re familiar with.”

Eaton finished tied for second with Al Levine in Saluki history with 19 saves  before he was named a starting pitcher his senior year. He finished his senior season with records of 3-3 and a 4.10 ERA. He was named the MVC Pitcher of the Week after throwing 10 complete innings against Illinois State University April 26.

Aaron Graff can be contacted at [email protected], @Aarongraff_DE or (815)-483-3781.