June 9, 2010

Toronto Blue Jays select Melendez in MLB draft

Batting over .360 and providing stellar defense in the outfield during each of his two seasons at Cowley College, Ronnie Melendez was taken by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday.

Following his freshman season, the Texas Rangers took Melendez in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball draft. Opting to stay in school rather than sign with the Rangers, Melendez dramatically improved his draft stock.
“Ronnie had a good career here and moved way up the draft board,” Cowley head coach Dave Burroughs said. “We are excited and happy for him.”

As a freshman at Cowley, Melendez batted .367 with four home runs, 14 doubles, and 38 runs batted in. He also stole 18 bases and scored 51 runs in 59 games, while serving as the team’s leadoff batter.

After being named a Second-Team All-Conference performer as a freshman, Melendez earned First-Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore. This past season, Melendez batted .361 with a team-leading 65 runs scored in 48 games. He finished the year with 14 doubles, two triples, three home runs, 33 RBI’s, and was successful on 21 of 22 stolen base attempts. He also led the Tiger outfielders with six outfield assists.

Melendez helped the Tigers go 87-31 during his two year’s at the school, and was a part of the 2009 Jayhawk East championship team, which advanced to the JUCO World Series.

By coming back for his sophomore season Melendez was able to move up 26 rounds in the draft.

“It benefited Ronnie by coming back to school,” Burroughs said. “He made improvements and was a more consistent player. Hopefully, this sets the tone for other players.”