Wake Forest Athletics
Smith Inks Deal with Milwaukee
7/20/2021 12:30:00 PM | Baseball
The right hander becomes the latest addition to the newest class of the #ProDeacs.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest's Shane Smith has signed a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The right hander took the hill in multiple roles during his collegiate career, starting two games in 2021 as well as serving as the Deacs' closer during the shortened 2020 season.
"I just couldn't be happier for Shane," said head coach Tom Walter. "The consummate teammate and clubhouse leader, Shane brings energy, commitment and professionalism to the ballpark every single day. The Brewers organization is among the best in pitching development. Shane will thrive in their environment."
In 2021, Smith took hold of a spot in the weekend rotation, starting weekend games against Northeastern (3.0 innings) and Notre Dame (2.1 innings) before suffering a season-ending injury. In each appearance, Smith struck out a career-high five batters.
After redshirting the 2019 season, Smith posted a 2-0 record as the team's closer in 2020. In five total innings, the Danvers, Mass. native fanned nine batters while allowing just one hit and one earned run.
Smith reeled in his first win in his collegiate debut against Seton Hall on Feb. 14, tossing a 1-2-3 inning with a pair of punch outs. Smith picked up his second win of the campaign against No. 3 Louisville on March 7 as he struck out a trio of Cardinals.
In an appearance against Illinois, Smith pitched a 1-2-3 inning to earn his first career save. The right hander also picked up 1-2-3 innings against Sacred Heart and Coastal Carolina.
Smith joins five former Demon Deacons who were drafted during the 2021 MLB Draft in the next step of their baseball careers.
Ryan Cusick headlined the group as the right hander became the eighth first round pick in program history after Atlanta selected him with the 24th overall pick.
A quartet of Deacs were selected on the third day of the draft. William Fleming opened the day as Wake Forest's first draftee as the Seattle Mariners took him with the 324th pick in the 11th round. Bobby Seymour (13th round) and Antonio Menendez (14th round) will be teammates again as the duo was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in back-to-back rounds. Shane Muntz rounded out the group as the catcher was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 15th round.
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