Andy Hillis has joined Myles Smith and Jose Samayoa as Lee University pitchers selected in the annual First-Year Major League Baseball Draft. All three weekend starters and Flames' closer have gotten the call from professional scouts.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound, right-handed fireballer from Brentwood, Tenn. was chosen in the 11^th round (332 overall pick) by the Milwaukee Brewers. Last year Hillis was drafted in the 29^th round by the St. Louis Cardinals, but elected to return to Lee and pitch in college ball for one more season.

He was used as the closer for the Flames and posted an outstanding 0.96 ERA. In 37 1/3 innings Hillis recorded a 3-0 record with nine saves. He struck out 66 batters and walked 19.

"I believe Andy is a big get for the Milwaukee Brewers," said Lee head coach Mark Brew after learning who selected Hillis. "I think Andy's development over the last year has been incredible. His fastball has jumped 3-to-4 miles per hour and he has been clocked as high as 99 miles per hour this spring.

"The emergence of a quality slider has been the difference for him this year. He can be dominant in a closer's role or in a set-up situation. However, whatever role they give him, Andy has a chance to have a great professional career."
On Friday Lee pitcher Smith was picked in the fourth round by the Boston Red Sox and Samayoa was drafted in the ninth round by the Texas Rangers. Terry was picked in the 18th round (542 overall) by the Milwaukee Brewer, the same club that chose Hillis.

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 a 1.73 ERA. In 78.1 innings he fanned 83 and walked only 19.

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 (NCAA D-II) 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.