June 3, 2003
University of Tennessee junior catcher Javi Herrera was the first Volunteer selected in the 2003 Major League Baseball first-year player draft on Tuesday. Day two of the draft is Wednesday.
Herrera was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the second round, the 48th pick overall. He was the second college catcher taken and the fifth overall. He was previously drafted out of high school by the Boston Red Sox in the 42nd round in the 2000 draft.
“I am excited about the selection,” said Herrera. “To be drafted by my favorite team is great. I went higher than I expected, so I appreciate Cleveland for giving me this opportunity. This is the best day of my life. I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”
He is the first Vol to be taken by Cleveland since former Major Leaguer Greg McMichael was selected in the seventh round in 1988.
The 2001 Freshman All-America and Team USA National Team member hit .296 with a team-leading nine home runs and 32 RBI this past season for Tennessee which finished 31-24.