New York (June 4, 2002) - Southeast Missouri State Baseball senior right hander Brandon Smith has become the highest ever Indian Baseball draftee after being selected in the 18th round, the 538th pick overall, in the June 2002 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Smith becomes Southeast's fourth player drafted in the past three years joining Jeremy Johnson and Ryan Spille in 2000, and Todd Pennington last year.

Smith went 12-2 on the year tying the school record for wins in a season, along with teammate Brad Purcell. Both tied Pennington's record of a year ago. He pitched in 94 innings, the ninth highest mark ever at the school. He had a 4.31 ERA, striking out 82 batters, while walking only 34. His 14 appearances ties him for seventh all time in a season at Southeast.

He had two complete games this season including a one-hitter at Eastern Kentucky University. He also had two of the biggest wins this season as he beat both Oklahoma State University and the University of Alabama in the NCAA Regional. He had the only shutout on the season.

Smith is one of seven seniors on this year's squad. The Major League Draft will consist of 50 rounds today and tomorrow.