University of Tennessee Athletics
Three Baseball Vols Selected in Final Day of MLB Draft
June 04, 2003 | Baseball
June 4, 2003
University of Tennessee seniors Jordan Czarniecki and Walter Sevilla along with junior Brian Cleveland were selected by the Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs, respectively, in the 2003 Major League Baseball first-year player draft on Wednesday. They join Javi Herrera, who was taken by the Cleveland Indians in the second round, as the only draft-eligible Volunteers taken in the 50-round draft.
Czarniecki, an outfielder, was taken in the 25th round while Sevilla, who played second base, was drafted in the 34th round and Cleveland, a shortstop, was picked in the 49th round. It was the first time Czarniecki had been selected, while Sevilla was previously drafted in 2000 by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 30th round. Cleveland was a 2001 draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 36th round.
Czarniecki, a 2003 first-team All-Southeastern Conference team selection, led the SEC with 32 stolen bases and the Vols with 54 runs scored. He hit .311 with four home runs and 30 RBI as Tennessee finished the season 31-24. The leadoff hitter finished his two-year career tied for fifth with 56 stolen bases and tied for third with 27 hit by pitches.
Noted for his great defense and exciting diving catches in the field, Czarniecki did not make an error in 128 chances this season. He had six outfield assists while being among just five outfielders in the league to not commit an error.
Sevilla, who led the Vols with 19 doubles this season while tying for the team lead with 32 RBI, hit .271 with three home runs. He played shortstop in 2002, batting a career-high .330 with one home run and 33 RBI. Cleveland hit .271 with four home runs and team-high tying 32 RBI.
Czarniecki is the sixth Vol to be drafted or sign a free agent deal with the Colorado Rockies, joining former first rounder and current Major League All-Star first baseman Todd Helton. Sevilla is the fourth Volunteer drafted by Kansas City, and the first since pitchers Tom Heming and Paul Fletcher were selected in 1992. Cleveland is the fourth Vol selected by the Cubs, and the first since Scott Vieira in 1995.
VOLS SELECTED IN 2003 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DRAFT
Player, Pos. Team Rd. Pick Yr. Ht. Wt.
Javi Herrera, C Cleveland Indians 2nd 48 Jr. 6-2 195
Jordan Czarniecki, OF Colorado Rockies 25th 737 Sr. 6-1 175
Walter Sevilla, 2B Kansas City Royals 34th 1002 Sr. 5-8 170
Brian Cleveland, SS Chicago Cubs 49th 1434 Jr. 6-1 182
