Lee junior pitcher Myles Smith did not have to wait long to hear his name announced in the second day of the First-Year Major League Draft. Later in the day, Jose Samayoa was drafted in the ninth round by the Texas Rangers.

Smith became the highest Draft selection in Lee's rich baseball history. Shortstop Lance Zawadkzi was also picked by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round of the Draft, but was the 147th player selection overall. Samayoa, a right-handed pitcher, posted an impressive 10-1 record with an 1.73 ERA. In 78.1 innings he fanned 83 and walked only 19.

"I am extremely proud of Jose," said Lee head coach Mark Brew. "He's been one of the hardest workers in our program and I am glad that has paid off for him with this opportunity. In addition, he is just a super person. We have had pitchers with better arms than Jose, but Jose is arguably the best pitcher we have ever had in a Flames uniform. He really knows how to pitch and his competitiveness and command of four pitches make him a great sign for the Rangers. We wish Jose the best as he chases this dream.

"I am really excited for Myles," said Brew. "It is an honor to be drafted but to be drafted in the fourth round shows how much the Red Sox believe in his ability. He was already a 16th rounder last year for the New York Mets, but his hard work and time in our program, in particular with pitching coach (Michael Moody) really paid off for him. His velocity continued to improve all year, and what separates him from most was his ability to maintain or even increase his velocity late in games. He has earned this opportunity and we wish him the best."

Smith is the highest NAIA player taken in the 2013 Draft and the second highest between NAIA and NCAA Division II programs. Jamie Ledbetter, a right-handed pitcher from Cedarville, Ohio, was selected in the third round (99th pick overall) by the Texas Rangers.

Smith, a native of Detroit, Mich, transferred to Lee from Miami (Fla.) Dade Community College for the 2013 season and was followed by dozens of Major League scouts during the entire 2013 campaign. His fastball was recorded in the mid to high 90s and his athletic ability was a bonus attraction for the scouts.

The gifted hurler was 11-4 overall with a 2.67 ERA. He recorded 84.1 innings of mound duty and registered 94 strikeouts to go along with 38 walks.

Under the direction of coach Mark Brew, the Flames finished 51-12 and shared the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament title with Faulkner University, In its final year of NAIA competition, the Flames were ranked No. 2 nationally, won the Opening Round title of the National Tournament and placed third in the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.

Lee could have three or four more players go in the later rounds of the annual Draft.