Zach Davis (photo/UCM, Stephen O’Brien)
University of Central Missouri senior left-handed pitcher Zach Davis was selected in the 25th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday by the Houston Astros. Davis, of Carrollton, Missouri was pick No. 736. He becomes the 31st Mule to be drafted by a major league team and will be the 56th to sign with a major league franchise, the fourth draft pick and fifth signee for recently retired head coach Tom Myers. Davis’ 19 career saves are tied for the second most in program history. He struck out 51 batters in 41.0 innings pitched and limited opponents to a .178 batting average. The Houston Astros are owned by former UCM All-American pitcher, Jim Crane.
Missouri State baseball standouts Eric Cheray and Cody Schumacher were chosen on the final day as well, with the Oakland Athletics selecting Cheray in the 17th round with the 522nd overall pick and the St. Louis Cardinals picking Schumacher in the 36th round (1095th overall).
Missouri State extended an impressive string that has resulted in at least one Bear being picked in 28 of the last 29 MLB Drafts dating back to 1986. Overall, the Bears have produced 128 players who have gone on to sign professional contracts over their 51 years as a varsity program, including 108 during Keith Guttin’s 32-year tenure as head coach.