JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 8, 2010) - Junior Chas Byrne (Johnson City, Tenn.) became the first Buccaneer to be drafted since C.J. Lee in 2007 as the Kansas City Royals drafted Byrne in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday.

Byrne is the second highest draft pick in the Tony Skole era with only Caleb Moore being drafted higher (4th round of 2005 draft). The Johnson City, Tenn. native is also the 11th player to be drafted since 2000 when Skole took over the program.

"I am really excited and happy for Chas," Skole said. "I think this is a great opportunity for him. His future is very bright. It will be exciting to see him compete at the next level. If he can continue to develop, the sky is the limit for him."

Byrne led the team with 79 strikeouts in 83.1 innings, posting a 5-6 record with two saves in 2010. A two-way player, Byrne also had a strong year at the plate, hitting .351 with 12 doubles, 31 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

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