SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Academy of Art University baseball celebrated another milestone on Tuesday, June 5, when senior infielder Zach Babitt was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

After only playing two seasons with the Urban Knights, Babitt compiled a hefty list of ART U records that caught the eye of the Dodgers' front office.

Babitt starred in his senior season for Academy of Art, leading the team in many offensive categories.

Batting anywhere in the top three spots in the order, Babitt ended the year with a .313 batting average and a .403 on-base percentage. He also led the team with 18 multi-hit games, 24 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases.

Babitt started every game in 2011-12 for the Urban Knights, making 38 starts at second base and 12 at shortstop. He also set the record for hits in a single season with 53, and totaled 102 hits in only two years with the Knights - good for second in program history.

“In the future, when people ask me why would you have athletics at an art institution, my reply will be 'Zach Babitt,'" Director of Athletics Dr. Jamie Williams said. "The fact that he was drafted recently in the 10th round by the L.A. Dodgers while being a superb broadcast student is the answer. I couldn't be more happy for a kid who works so hard on the field and in the classroom. Zach's on his way of becoming the first Urban Knight to turn pro and graduate.”

Head Coach Brian Guinn echoed Williams' thoughts.

"We are excited as a staff and at Academy of Art University for Zach," he said. "I feel it is important our players get the best training possible and and a great education on top of it. It is really rewarding to see one of our players get drafted."