HPU's Amaral drafted by Los Angeles Angels in 40th round of MLB First-Year Player Draft

HONOLULU, HI – Hawai‘i Pacific University's Blake Amaral was drafted on June 6 by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 40th round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft.

Amaral is the 11th Sea Warrior selected in school history and the first since 2008.

Amaral, who was taken 1,227th overall, had an outstanding career at HPU. He leaves the Sea Warriors with 11 hitting records including the longest hitting streak, most RBI in a game, most doubles and RBI in a season, and most career games played, at-bats, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples and RBI. He ranks second in career batting average and home runs.

In 2012, Amaral hit .358 with 36 runs, 14 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 45 RBI. He was named to the All-PacWest First Team for the fourth time and All-Region by two different organizations.

He established himself as a steady right fielder after spending much of 2011 as a designated hitter.

Amaral is the first HPU player to be drafted since Kaimi Mead in 2008.