Five Spartans chosen on day one of 2002 MLB draft; Shorsher goes first in the sixth round to San Diego

Adam Shorsher was selected in the sixth round by the San Diego Padres.

Senior catcher Adam Shorsher was the first Spartan baseball player selected in the 2002 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Shorsher was selected by the San Diego Padres in the sixth round and was the 175th overall selection. The draft is being held in New York from June 4-5. Shorsher is the highest selection for the Spartans since Vince LaCorte was selected in the fifth round by the Anaheim Angels in 1999.

"Playing at San Jose State has been a great experience for me," said Shorsher. "I'm going to cherish all the memories I had here and will miss my team mates and all the fans. This has always been a dream of mine and can't wait to get started."

Senior right-handed pitcher Don Gemmell was the second Spartan selected, going to the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round.

"It is always good to see players rewarded for their hard work and productivity," noted Spartan head coach Sam Piraro. "I think it is always a dream of young players to be drafted and play professional baseball. It ends up being a special day for the individual when it happens."

Senior second baseman Gabe Lopez was a 17th round selection by the New York Yankees. Senior left-handed pitcher Jahseam George was taken in the 18th round by the Cleveland Indians.

Junior third baseman Hector Zamora was the last Spartan selected in the first day. Zamora was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 21st round.

The round-by-round draft results are available on www.mlb.com.