Written By: NM State Athletic Dept.

LAS CRUCES - Former Aggie second baseman Mike Sodders was drafted in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball draft, Wednesday, June 9.

Sodders, a native of Moreno Valley, Calif., was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in round 31 at pick No. 954 and is the 47th draft selection from NM State. Last year three players were drafted by MLB teams, while 23 players have been drafted while head coach Rocky Ward has been the head coach for the Aggies.

"It's great to hear that Mike is going to get a chance to fulfill a lifetime dream of playing professional baseball," head coach Rocky Ward said. "The possibility of him being drafted has been in real doubt since he wasn't able to play the last eight weeks of the season because of a foot injury. Hopefully his foot will be healed in time for him to sign a contract and get a minor league assignment."

Sodders injured his foot early in the season and tried to play through it but ended up play in 37 of NM State's 60 games in 2010. He finished the year hitting .380 (57-of-150) while blasting 15 home runs, second on the team. Sodders ended the year with eight doubles, 46 RBI and a .733 slugging percentage.

On his career, Sodders finished up his career at NM State with a .401 batting average after he posted a .422 average in 2009. He wrapped up his collegiate career with 114 RBI, 27 doubles and 28 home runs.

"I didn't think I was going to get drafted because of my injuries, but for some reason I knew I would end up playing pro-ball somehow. I thought I would have to try out some where to get picked up because I didn't think anybody would take me."

According to Sodders, he will be sent to Orem, Utah where he will play for the Orem Owlz as an offensive second baseman. Sodders made 17 starts at second base in 2010 and 23 starts at second in 2009. Sodders showed his versatility, however, as he also played both first and third while at NM State.