MONTGOMERY - Cody Shields of the Auburn University at Montgomery baseball team, has been drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

A native of Panama City, Fla., Shields played centerfield for the Senators and was the 470th pick in the draft, and the 15th selection by the Cubs. He was the second outfielder the club selected.

Shields was at his apartment in Montgomery listening to the draft over the internet when he heard his name called. "I was excited and surprised when I heard my name called," Shields said. "I knew Chicago had seen me play this season but had not heard from them before my name was called so I really was not sure they would draft me. I was hoping to be drafted within the first 20 rounds and it was a sense of relief to hear my named called in the 15th."

Shields had a tremendous senior season with AUM, culminating in being named the Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He hit .461 with 13 doubles, nine triples, seven homeruns and 43 RBI, all from his leadoff position in the batting order. He led the conference with 25 stolen bases.

Shields was also a good defensive player as he received the Gold Glove Award for his work in centerfield, where he only committed three errors.

Following the season, Shields was named Second Team All-America and was also named the SSAC Male Athlete of the Year.

Shields is the 22nd player from AUM to play professional baseball and is the first AUM player since the 2007 season to be taken in the draft.

-AUM-