Pro Baseball Draft Includes Players From Dakotas

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A player from the University of Sioux Falls has been drafted by a Major League Baseball team for the first time in school history.

Right-handed pitcher Chris Nichols was selected in the 31st round by the Philadelphia Phillies. He's the son of former major leaguer Rod Nichols. The Helena, Mont., native is the first Cougar athlete to be drafted in any major professional sport.

Other players in the Dakotas also have been taken in this year's MLB draft. In South Dakota, Augustana College right-handed pitcher Derek Hansen was taken by the Oakland Athletics in the 25th round.

In North Dakota, former West Fargo High School standout left-hander Matt Strahm was drafted in the 21st round by the Kansas City Royals.

Strahm has been playing for a community college in Kansas.