UAlbany's Tom Hill Chosen in MLB's First-Year Player Draft

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Tom Hill became the fifth player in school history to be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Hill was drafted in the 34th round as the 1023rd overall pick by the Kansas City Royals.

Hill, who split time at catcher and designated hitter for UAlbany, joins former Great Danes Terry Kenny (ninth round, 1974), Steve Checksfield (10th round, 2001), Mike Grasso (11th round, 2002) and Adam Kroft (30th round, 2004).

“We are very proud of Tommy,” said UAlbany head coach John Mueller, who has coached four of UAlbany’s five draft picks. “This is a very exciting time for him and his family.

Hill, a two-time All-America East Conference First Team honoree at catcher, played three seasons for UAlbany after transferring from Elon following his freshman season. Hill finished his career third in UAlbany history with 39 doubles and is also third all-time with 19 home runs. He set UAlbany’s single-season record with 22 doubles as a senior.

Hill was an integral member of the 2007 Great Dane squad that won the school’s first America East baseball championship. The team, which finished 29-29 overall, was the first in program history to advance to the NCAA Division I Regional Tournament.