FORT WORTH, TX: The Washington Nationals baseball organization drafted Texas Wesleyan pitcher Cory Bafidis in the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft.
 
The Nats selected Bafidis in the 18th round at pick 556. Bafidis is a 6-0 left handed pitcher out of Smithson Valley, TX. The southpaw went 4-2 with a 3.41 ERA this season in 13 appearances, with ten of those being starts. He pitched 63.1 innings and recorded 67 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .257 batting average. He ranked 30th this season in batters struck out per nine innings at 9.52
 
Over 1,200 players were selected in 40 rounds in the draft, and 37 players from 24 NAIA baseball programs were picked by 23 different MLB clubs during the three day event. He notched a season high eight strikeouts three separate times, all against RRAC opponents.
 
Lee boasted the most draftees with five – Smith, Jose Samayoa (RHP) (Texas Rangers), Andy Hills (RHP) (Milwaukee Brewers), Clint Terry (LHP) (Milwaukee Brewers) and Alex Moore (RHP) (Milwaukee Brewers). Lubbock Christian (Texas) was second with four individuals, while Tennessee Wesleyan had three. Arizona Christian, Menlo (Calif.), Oklahoma City and Texas Wesleyan had two selections each.
 
The Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals tied for the most NAIA selections with three apiece.
 
Since 2008, the NAIA has averaged 41 individuals selected each year by MLB clubs.