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June 6, 2012

SECAUCUS, N.J. - Washington State University second baseman Tommy Richards was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 24th round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft Wednesday.

Richards was the fourth pick in the round and the 732nd selection overall. He joins first baseman Taylor Ard (seventh round/Seattle Mariners) and outfielder Derek Jones (eighth round/Colorado Rockies) as Cougars drafted this season.

"I couldn't be more excited," Richards said. "To be taken with the other (WSU) seniors is an honor. I am and will always be a Cougar and it is so cool that a group of us were drafted together."

A native of Bend, Ore., Richards batted .289 and set a Washington State single-season record for fielding percentage by a second baseman at .983. He was involved in 47 of the Cougars' Pac-12 leading 64 defensive double plays.

The senior is the highest Cougar drafted at his position since Greg Hunter went to the Mariners in the 23rd round of the 1990 draft. Richards is the third Washington State student-athlete to be drafted by the Orioles joining pitcher Bryce Chamberlin (2004) and Jones (2011).