LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Junior Tyler Erwin was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 23rd round as the 691st overall pick in the 2016 MLB First Year Player Draft on Saturday. He is the 40th player drafted in program history, and joins teammates Daniel Johnson and Joe Galindo who were drafted in the 5th and 13th rounds, respectively. Saturday also marked the first time since 2009 that at least three Aggies were drafted in the same year.
 
"Being drafted has been a lifelong dream of mine," said Erwin. "Growing up playing little league and watching major league games thinking 'I want to do that one day,' and then today to have my name called and see my name on the ticker, it was a dream come true. It was a pretty special moment, not only for me, but for my family and friends. You put a lot of time and effort in playing through little league and high school, and then you come to college and have a whole support system around you. It all paid off today. I'm excited for the future for me and my career. This year has been crazy and I needed Coach Green, Coach Mangrum, Coach Brown and Coach Jackson there to support and help me. Also, I couldn't have made this far without my coaches from junior college and high school."
 
After a breakout junior season, the Chandler, Arizona native finished his 2016 campaign ranked 14th in the nation in appearances (33) and led the Western Athletic Conference in this category. His 33 appearances also tied the school record, matching Evan Mott's 2013 mark.
 
Named the WAC Pitcher of the Week on March 14, Erwin led the conference in games pitched in relief (33). Additionally, he was ranked fifth in saves (6) and seventh in games finished (13). Erwin finished 2016 with an impressive 3.11 ERA and a 2-1 record in 46.1 innings, racking up 55 strikeouts.
 
"We are really excited for Tyler and his family" said head coach Brian Green. "He is a tremendous worker and was one of our team captains. Today is a tremendous day for our program. With three players drafted from our first recruiting class, we could not be happier with the direction of our program."