Two Cougars Taken In 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.- College of the Canyons sophomore right hand pitcher Cory Jones was selected in the fifth round (No. 180 overall) of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.

"It is an unbelievable honor to be drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals," Jones said. "The Cardinals are a great organization and they have unbelievable fans. I am very excited to represent College of the Canyons at the next level and excited to begin my professional career.' 

The Simi Valley alum, topped the team in winning percentage, going 7-0 this season and had the team's top ERA with a 2.64. Jones struckout a Western State Conference, South Division, best 89 batters and only gave up 49 hits, the least of any starting COC pitcher. 

The fifth round pick is the highest selection for a COC player in the MLB Draft since head coach Chris Cota was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 1986 draft. 

Master's College and former College of the Canyons pitcher Charlie Gillies heard his named called in the draft by the Detroit Tigers as the 334th pick.

Gillies played for COC in 2009 and 2010, before taking his talent to nearby Master's College. During his two years with the Cougars, he went 3-5 and had a 6.94 ERA, while striking out 57 batters.

The deadline for drafted players to sign a contract with a Major League team is July 13 at 5 p.m. EST.