Army players go to Pirates

Army outfielder Cole White and Chris Simmons have both been selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft. Pittsburgh selected Simmons in the 41st round (1,224th pick) and White in the 42nd (1,254). The Florida Marlins drafted Army pitcher Drew Clothier in the 37th round.

They become the fifth and sixth Army players selected in the draft, joining Mike Scioletti (Chicago White Sox, 43rd round, 1988), Schuyler Williamson (Detroit Tigers, 26th round, 2005), Nick Hill (Seattle Mariners, seventh round, 2007) and Milan Dinga (Los Angeles Angels, 10th round, 2007).

White, the 2007 Patriot League Player of the Year, and Simmons could end up playing together this season with Pittsburgh's short-season Single-A affiliate in the New York-Penn League, the State College (Pa.) Spikes.

White, Army's all-time leader in home runs (28), doubles (44), total bases (380) and slugging percentage (.588), hit .373 this year with eight homers and 30 RBI. Simmons hit .318 with eight homers and 42 RBI.

Check back with ArmySports.com for more on White and Simmons.