ELON, N.C. -- Elon sophomore right-handed pitcher Jim Stokes became the first Elon player selected in the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when he was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round on Wednesday. He was later joined by junior catcher Alex Swim who was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 36th round.
The selections of Stokes, who was eligible for the draft after red-shirting in 2011, and Swim give Elon 20 players drafted since 2007.
Stokes, who stands 6-7, made 14 appearances for the Phoenix in 2012 including eight starts. A native of Royersford, Pa., Stokes logged 35.2 innings and struck out 29 hitters. After missing the 2011 season with an injury, he picked up the win in his return to the mound in a start against North Carolina A&T this season. In a March 21 start against Clemson, Stokes allowed two runs and struck out six Tigers in five innings of work.
In two seasons in the maroon and gold Stokes has compiled a 3-3 record over 35 games (nine starts). He has thrown 66.0 innings, striking out 51 hitters.
Swim was a first-team All-Southern Conference pick after he led the Phoenix with a .357 batting average in 2012. The Greensboro, N.C., native struck out just 13 times in 241 at bats this year. He also scored 39 runs, had 11 doubles, one triple, three homers and 45 RBI while starting all 59 of Elon's contests in 2012. During his junior season Swim put together a 25-game hitting streak, including back-to-back five-hit games.
In his three seasons with the Phoenix, Swim has hit .316 with 113 runs scored, 36 doubles, five triples, five home runs and 118 RBI. His 222 hits rank ninth in Elon's history.
Chris Rash/Elon Sports Information Dept.