THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 4, 1994 TAG: 9406040408
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By KEVIN DOEPP, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940604 LENGTH: NORFOLK
After spending hours by the phone for a call to find out what major league baseball team, if any, might want their services, all four were drafted Friday.
{REST} Casey, a righthanded closer from Virginia Wesleyan, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 15th round of the draft, while Knight, the dual-sport athlete from Maury and William and Mary, was selected by the Padres in the 13th round.
Smith, a senior lefthander from Old Dominion, was selected in the 20th round by the Oakland A's.
Coe, a righthanded pitcher for ODU, was taken by the California Angels in the 18th round.
Casey, whose fastball has been clocked at 94 mph, had hoped that he would go higher.
``I had expected to go in the top 10 rounds,''said Casey. ``That is what I was told by the scouts.''
Casey, who posted a 2-0 record, had three saves and struck out 27 batters in 18 innings.
He will meet with a Cubs scout Tuesday or Wednesday to determine to where he will report.
Knight, who was drafted by the Chicago Cubs around the 30th round last year, led the Tribe in stolen bases with 26. He batted .294, scored 54 runs and drove in 18.
Knight has a year of eligibility left for football and baseball and has yet to make a decision on his future. He was not available for comment Friday.
Smith, a 6-foot senior, was 11-2 with a 2.76 ERA this spring. He was a two-time All-CAA pick.
Coe, a 6-5 junior, was 4-2 for the Monarchs with a 4.75 ERA. He struck out 54 batters in 65 innings.
Three ODU pitchers were selected in the draft. Denis McLaughlin was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round Thursday. by CNB