Dragons figure in Major League Baseball Amateur Draft

Published or Revised June 08, 2005

The Paris Junior College Dragons baseball program continues to leave its mark on the major leagues. Former Dragons pitcher Bryce Cox, now a right-hander for the Rice University Owls, was drafted in the 13th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft Tuesday by the Los Angeles-Anaheim Angels. Two incoming PJC freshmen also were taken by the Mets and the Braves. Cox, a Dragon in 2003-2004, was the Bobby Walters Cup winner and was named All-Conference in his sophomore season. Dragons baseball coach Deron Clark described Cox as a "great student" and noted the right-hander began his PJC career at third base. He pitched his first game during his sophomore year, and threw in the low 90s. By his second game, Clark said, Cox was throwing at 95 mph. "It was kind of a made position for him," said Clark. Incoming PJC freshman Daniel Martin, a right-handed pitcher from Harelton High School, was drafted in the 15th round by the New York Mets, and fellow freshman Zach Oliver, a left-hander from Waco Midway High School, was drafted in the 18th round by the Atlanta Braves. Both young pitchers were to throw Wednesday during the state high school baseball tournament in Austin. Martin and Oliver have the option of forgoing a college career, but Clark said, "We just don't feel that's going to happen." Both players and their parents have indicated the two will begin their college careers at PJC this fall as planned, Clark said.