June 6, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former University of Maryland catcher Chad Durakis was selected in the 37th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Baltimore Orioles Friday afternoon.

A native of Cockeysville, Md., Durakis finished his Maryland career ranked in the school's all-time top 10 in numerous offensive categories, including hits, doubles and RBIs.

Durakis started all four years behind the plate and finished his career with a .289 average, 10 home runs and 114 RBIs. Durakis hit 52 doubles in his career and was hit by a pitch 45 times, a school record. Durakis was also an excellent defensive catcher for the Terps, finishing his career with a .985 fielding percentage.

Maryland had three players drafted last year, highlighted by first-round selection Brett Cecil by the Toronto Blue Jays. Pitchers Ryan Moorer and Casey Baron were also selected.

Durakis is the 26th draft pick coached by Terps head coach Terry Rupp in his 12-year coaching career with Tampa and Maryland.

-TERPS-