Former Ellsworth Community College baseball player Melvin Rodriguez was drafted into the MLB by the Washington Nationals on day three of the 2015 draft.
Rodriguez was taken in the 18th round and was picked 554; he was the first Jackson State University Tiger drafted since 2008.
Rodriguez received several honors this year while at Jackson State, including NCBWA All-America Third Team and ABCA All-Region Second Team, Louisville Slugger All-American, finalist for the C Spire Ferriss Trophy, SWAC Player of the Year and Co-Hitter of the Year, All-SWAC First Team, SWAC All-Tournament Team, and being named to the Dick Howser Trophy Watch List.
Rodriguez, a native of Manati, Puerto Rico, recorded a .422 batting average and had 97 hits, 22 doubles, seven home runs, 61 runs and 65 RBIs at Jackson State. He also posted a .477 on-base percentage and a .635 slugging percentage to go along with a .961 fielding percentage.
"The Ellsworth Community College Athletic Department and Panther student-athletes are extremely proud of Melvin and wish him all the best as he pursues his dream of being a professional athlete," says Nate Forsyth, ECC Athletic Director. "Melvin has an incredible work ethic and he's an inspiration to student-athletes everywhere. We look forward to following his successful career in professional baseball."