Friday, June 6, 2008 - Fresno, California
Sunbirds send second player to the MLB in just three years of existence

Fresno, Calif. - Senior pitcher Chris Schwinden was selected in the 22nd round by the New York Mets on day two of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft. Next stop for the right-handed hurler looks to be rookie ball down in Kingsport, TN.

It was a year for the history books as the Sunbirds posted a program best 36-14 record. Schwinden's success on the hill paid major dividends towards the finish product.

He was able to stifle opposing hitters for a .192 batting average in his 90.2 frames of work. 96 strikeouts along with just 22 walks kept the base paths empty and the runs low as he posted a 2.48 earn run average.

Schwinden's production lead to Golden State Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year honors and now a trip to the world of professional baseball to do what all baseball lovers dream of.

In the three year history of the program, the Sunbirds have been able to send two players into the MLB. Mike Pierce, former catcher for the Sunbirds, was drafted by the Orioles in 2006. Pierce has  reached the AA level in the minors in his young career.