Angels Select LHP Sean Newcomb with First Pick in 2014 MLB Draft
Newcomb was named America East Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2014
ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels selected left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb out of the University of Hartford in Hartford, Conn. as their first pick (1st round, 15th overall) in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. The announcement was made by Angels' Director of Scouting Ric Wilson.
"Sean is a 6-foot-5 left-hander and a big guy who can hold up to a lot of innings," Wilson said. "He is a four-pitch pitcher with two solid breaking pitches. We're elated to get him because we weren't sure he'd be available when it came down to our pick. Our organization is very excited with Sean's selection."
Newcomb, 20, made 14 starts this season for Hartford and pitched to an 8-2 record with a 1.25 ERA (93.1 IP - 13 ER) and 106 strikeouts en route to being named the America East Conference Pitcher of the Year. He established a school record with 243 strikeouts during his three seasons with the Hawks. Newcomb earned his first collegiate victory on March 24, 2012 with a seven inning no-hitter against Yale. It was the first no-hitter in school history for Hartford, since the program transitioned to the Division I level in 1984. He also becomes the first left-handed pitcher selected by the Angels in the first round of the draft since Tyler Skaggs went 40th overall in the 2009 draft.
A native of Middleboro, Mass., Newcomb is the first of two selections the Angels will make on the first day of the draft. The Halos also hold the 53rd overall selection, which will come in the second round of the draft.
Newcomb becomes the Angels first selection in the first round of the draft since the Halos selected INF C.J. Cron with the 17th overall pick in the 2011 draft. Cron made his Major League debut with the Angels earlier this season on May 3rd and is batting .305 (25/82) with 13 extra-base hits, including three home runs and 12 RBI through his first 26 games with the Halos.
The Angels did not have a selection in the first round of each of the last two drafts after surrendering their 2013 pick for the signing of outfielder Josh Hamilton and giving up their 2012 first round pick for the signing of Albert Pujols. It was the first time in franchise history that the club did not have a first round selection in consecutive drafts.
The Angels current active roster features seven players who were first round draft picks by the Halos: C.J. Cron (17th overall - 2011), Cam Bedrosian (29th overall - 2010), Mike Trout (25th overall - 2009), Tyler Skaggs (40th overall - 2009), Garrett Richards (42nd overall - 2009), Hank Conger (25th overall - 2006) and Jered Weaver (12th overall - 2004).
The draft will continue tomorrow (June 6) with rounds 3-10 and conclude on Saturday (June 7) with rounds 11-40.