MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - St. Thomas University outfielder Jerry Downs was drafted Wednesday in the 15th round (441st overall) of the MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.  Downs was the first position player from an NAIA school to be drafted.

As a junior in 2015, the Miami native (St. Brendan HS) hit .349 with nine home runs, 17 doubles and 56 RBI.  He also stole a team-best 12 bases and had five outfield assists.At the NAIA World Series,  Downs hit .360 with two home runs and five RBI to help lead the Bobcats to a runner-up finish.

Downs becomes the sixth St. Thomas player selected in the Major League Baseball Draft over the past four seasons, joining Joel Capote (Angels, 2012), Dane Stone (Marlins, 2012), Ricky Claudio (Mariners, 2013), Emilio Ogando (Royals, 2014) and Edwin Medina (Astros, 2014).


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