SECAUCUS, New Jersey — The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected big hitting Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson with the No. 1 pick in the Major League Baseball draft. Swanson, who helped lead the Commodores to the College World Series earlier in the day, is the first college shortstop to be chosen with the top selection in the draft since Brown University's Bill Almon in 1974. The pick Monday night at MLB Network studios marked the first time the Diamondbacks had the No. 1 selection since they took Justin Upton in 2005. It's the 50th anniversary of the first draft in 1965. Swanson seamlessly switched from second base to shortstop this season as a junior. He was the College World Series' Most Outstanding Player last year, helping the Commodores to the national championship. MLB honors college pitcher The best ovation of Jason Boulais' career came a month after his final pitch. The University of South Carolina Beaufort reliever was honored at the draft after he sacrificed part of his senior season to donate bone marrow in an effort to save a young boy in France. “I never fathomed any of this,” the 23-year-old Boulais said. “I never fathomed that I would be a match.” Commissioner Rob Manfred told Boulais' story shortly before announcing Boston's pick at No. 7 overall at MLB Network studios. The timing was intentional — Boulais is a big Red Sox fan. “We did not want Jason's incredible gesture to mark the end, or the last chapter, in his baseball career,” Manfred said from the podium. Seated in the crowd with his parents and sister, Boulais stood and waved as many of the former major leaguers in attendance such as Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Schmidt, Andre Dawson and John Smoltz gave him a standing ovation. “It was awesome,” a beaming Boulais said. “Hall of Famers standing up, clapping for me. Man, wow.” — Agencies
