LOWELL, Mass. – Junior
Ian Strom (Hopedale, Mass.) was selected 670th overall in the 22nd round by the New York Mets in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. Strom becomes the 20th player in program history to be drafted, and the fourth since 2011.
"I'm so excited for the opportunity and want to thank the Mets organization," remarked Strom. "I'm ready to play again and keep my lifelong dream of playing professional baseball. I'm grateful for my time at UMass Lowel under Coach Harring, it's such a great program and unbelievable school to grow at. Coach has been there since day one and I couldn't thank him enough. I'd like to thank all my friends, family and teammates for standing by me and for the support over the years."
The outfielder registered a career-high 46 hits this season, and batted .230 with two home runs and 17 RBI. His 61 total bases were third on the team, and only committed three errors in 110 chances. The Hopedale, Mass native registered 11 multi-hit games and seven mult-run games this season.
"I am extremely proud to have Ian selected by the Mets," said Head Coach
Ken Harring. "It's a great accomplishment for any athlete in a dream come true. Having another River Hawk in pro ball only helps our ability to go out and recruit quality student athletes. It proves that we can develop our players into professionals."
In three years as a River Hawk, Strom batted .276 with 128 hits in 126 games, and drove in 61 RBI with two home runs. He scored 65 runs, connected on 24 doubles and walked 32 times. The junior slugged at a .349 career clip and recorded an on-base percentage of .329.
River Hawks in the MLB Draft
| Year |
Name |
Team |
Round / Pick |
| 2015 |
Danny Mendick |
White Sox |
22 / 652 |
| 2013 |
Tyler Toyfair |
Diamondbacks |
35 / 1050 |
| 2011 |
Jack Leathersich |
Mets |
5 / 162 |
| 2004 |
Aaron Easton |
Marlins |
29 / 878 |
| 2003 |
Allen Mottram |
Diamondbacks |
24 / 726 |
| 2002 |
Willie Williamson |
Cardinals |
7 / 222 |
| 2002 |
Matt Tupman |
Royals |
9 / 258 |
| 1996 |
Ryan Siponmaa |
Indians |
48 / 1410 |
| 1995 |
Marc Dechenes |
Indians |
20 / 558 |
| 1991 |
Peter Feeley |
Tigers |
18 / 478 |
| 1991 |
Joe Grygiel |
Padres |
22 / 575 |
| 1988 |
John Spencer |
Red Sox |
29 / 745 |
| 1987 |
Steve Bieksha |
Mariners |
40 / 1001 |
| 1985 |
Rich Kiluk |
Pirates |
19 / 476 |
| 1984 |
Dave Lelievre |
Indians |
47 / 832 |
| 1983 |
Kenneth Connerty |
Indians |
19 / 480 |
| 1981 |
Mike Schmid |
Rangers |
8 / 190 |
| 1980 |
Mike Bryant |
Red Sox |
9 / 231 |
| 1972 |
Mike Camuso |
Cardinals |
14 / 333 |
