RICHARDSON, Texas –– Texas-Tyler junior right-handed pitcher Logan Chitwood was selected in Major League Baseball’s 2010 First-Year Player Draft, which began Monday and concluded on Wednesday.

Chitwood was selected on the second day by the Oakland Athletics s in the 19th round (575th selection overall). He was one of just 10 players – six pitchers, four position players – from NCAA Division III selected this season. Chitwood was the fifth-highest selection.

“It's an incredible feeling that I've waited all my life for," Chitwood said. “Just to hear my name called is an awesome feeling. I’m going to fight for a position and work my hardest and do whatever I can to help the organization.”

The American Southwest Conference’s all-time draft pick total is now at 18 players, while five have signed free agent contracts – all since 1999. The conference’s first season of baseball was in 1997. Chitwood is also the fifth Texas-Tyler draft pick over the past four seasons under head coach James Vilade, joining right-handed pitcher Brett Holland from 2008 and 2009, and right-handed pitcher Nathan Jennings and first baseman Brett Amyx from 2007.

The 6-1, 175-pound Chitwood (Kilgore, TX / Navarro JC) went 5-2 with a 3.12 ERA and six saves to lead the Patriots to ASC and East Division titles. He logged 34 2/3 innings over 23 appearances out of the bullpen, striking out 53 batters and walking just eight. He was an all-conference selection and once named ASC East Division Pitcher of the Week.