Reading time: 1 minute

Former Saints pitcher Robbie Gordon, ’16, was selected in the 36th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Gordon is believed to be the first Saints baseball player to be drafted. He played this season in the Cardinals’ Gulf Coast League, which claimed the 2016 championship.

“This is a dream come true and an amazing feeling,” Gordon said. “Being born and raised in St. Louis and being a Cardinals fan, this is an incredible feeling in getting drafted by my hometown team.”

“I know the University, athletic department and our program are all happy for Robbie and his family,” Saints Head Coach Seth Von Behren said. “He earned this opportunity through his work on a basis. Robbie gets to do something that so many young men dream about their entire lives.”

Gordon went 4-4 in the 2015-2016 Saints season with two saves and posted a 3.98 earned run averaged in 61 innings of action. He recorded a team-high 57 strikeouts. In 11 starts, he only surrendered 12 extra-base hits. A highlight of his season was a perfect game against Hillsdale March 13, 2016, the first no-hitter in program history. Gordon recorded nine strikeouts as he retired every batter he faced. He graduated from Maryville in May.

This story also featured in the Fall 2016 edition of Maryville Magazine.