FPU senior shortstop Alec Mehrten selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 25th round

Courtesy FPU Sports Information  

FRESNO, CA - Fresno Pacific University senior shortstop Alec Mehrten has been selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

Mehrten learned of his selection on Wednesday, June 6, marking the first time in school history the Sunbirds had two players taken in the same draft. Michael Vaughn went in the 14th round on June 5 to the Miami Marlins.

"It's a dream come true," Mehrten said. "I didn't care who drafted me, where I was going or what little town I was going to get sent to, I'm just excited to get going. I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Colorado Rockies' organization. They have a good tradition of developing players and getting guys to the majors, and they have great infielders at the major-league level."

Mehrten spent the morning hitting in the batting cages at FPU and checking the draft on his phone. After driving back to his home in Madera he received a call from Oscar Hirschkorn telling him he'd been drafted.

"I thought he was joking," Mehrten said. "I was shocked." Moments later he got a call from Gary Wilson, the scout who drafted him, welcoming him to the organization.

The first four-year player to get drafted out of FPU, Mehrten joined the team as a freshman from Madera High School in 2009 and quickly earned the starting job at shortstop.

An All-GSAC performer and Gold Glove winner, he helped the Sunbirds gain the reputation as one of the top defensive and most fundamentally sound programs in the country, and was instrumental in establishing a winning tradition as the program heads into NCAA Division II.

He graduated as the program's all-time leader in games played, walks, hit-by-pitches and double plays turned. He also ranks second in career at-bats, third in hits, fourth in runs and fifth in RBI.

Career highlights included a walkoff grand slam against Biola his sophomore year, during a span that saw him homer in three straight games. This season he had five hits in FPU's 14-5 victory over NCAA Division I San Jose State.

As a senior he batted .304 with a .401 on-base percentage and led the team with 28 RBI. He hit .320 as a junior, including .455 with eight RBI during the postseason. The team reached the playoffs every season of his career, including three trips to the NAIA Opening Round regional and the program's first NAIA World Series appearance.

"I'm just really excited for him and proud of him for all the work he's put in and the person that he is," Hirschkorn said. "It's great to see him be rewarded with this opportunity. His consistency and leadership, as well as his attitude and character throughout his four years here really speaks to the level of player the Rockies are getting."

Mehrten said afterward that his four years at FPU have prepared him well for the next level.

"I just have to thank Coach Hirschkorn first of all for giving me the opportunity to come in as a freshman, learn from my mistakes and grow as a player. I was able to get comfortable, play in some big games for us and really develop and I owe it all to our coaching staff."

"We've come a long way," Mehrten added, referring to the fact that in just seven years as a program the Sunbirds now have five players in the minor leagues. "You always hear guys talking about wanting to go D1, but we're getting on the map. I think we're showing that if you work hard, put up some good numbers and buy into the system here, that you can move on to the next level just as easily as anywhere else."

"This draft has been good for the program." Hirschkorn added. "We've had a good history of getting some pitchers drafted out of here but it's nice to send out some position players as well. Most importantly I'm just happy for Alec and Michael. They're professional baseball players now and that's exciting to see."

The Rockies have short-season teams in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Pasco, Washington. Mehrten will likely start out on one of those two teams. The next two levels are single-A Asheville and high single-A Modesto. Colorado Springs (AAA) and Tulsa (AA) are affiliates at the higher levels.