June 8, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
Illinois State senior pitcher Matt Fowles waited to hear his name called on the first day of the 2005 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, but instead had to wait until day two for his name to be called. The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Fowles in the 27th round, pick 801 overall.
The Fulton, Mo., native played for head coach Jim Brownlee and the Redbirds for just one season. After transferring from the University of Alabama-Birmingham prior 2005 season, Fowles contributed on the mound for the Redbirds. He was 4-6 overall in 18 appearances for the `Birds, splitting time in the starting rotation and coming out of the bullpen.
"We're really excited for Matt and his family," said Brownlee. "Matt had not been drafted before and I think Coach Kenny did a great job developing his game. Even though he has only been with us for a year, we were glad to have Matt on the team and if he stays healthy, he will have a great chance to get better and succeed at the professional level."
Fowles was disappointed after not hearing his named called on day one of the draft. However, once his name was called, the excitement set in.
"I was disappointed after day one, but I am extremely excited," said Fowles. "It's been a dream of mine to play professional baseball since I was a kid, and now I have that chance. I just hope I can work my way up through the system for the Diamondbacks and have a successful career."
Fowles is the first Illinois State player taken in this year's draft. Last year, Redbirds Kyle Bloom, Jeremy Pickrel, Josh Kauten and Todd Stein were all selected.
The 50-round draft concludes at 6 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
