Hyams thrilled with pick

Levi Hyams wasn't even paying attention to Wednesday's final day of the Major League draft when all of a sudden he heard a lot of commotion upstairs.

The noise, it seems was coming from his parents, who were watching the draft upstairs when it was announced that their son had been taken in the 19th round by the Atlanta Braves, who on Tuesday tabbed Bulldog teammate Alex Wood in the second round.

"I was just sitting at home watching a movie, and my parents were the ones following the draft. When they heard my name, they ran downstairs to tell me. I've talked with the Braves, and we're going to finalize everything soon, and I'll head to mini-camp and see where I go play," Hyams said in a statement.. "I've talked to Alex (Wood), and we're looking forward to going to camp together and maybe playing on the same team again. We're both ready to get started."

A 6-2, 200-pound native of Oceanside, California, was the 599th overall pick in the draft.

He finished his collegiate career ranked fifth in school history with 224 games played including 211 starts. He batted .295 with 16 home runs and 101 RBI in his career. Hyams also set a school record for highest fielding percentage by a shortstop in 2009 at .962 and then for a second baseman (.983) in 2011. He helped Georgia establish a school record for fielding percentage the past two seasons including .978 in 2012.

Last year, Hyams batted .250 with two home runs and 26 RBI.

"I feel very fortunate to be drafted, and I was very excited when I got the news," said Hyams. "The past four years have been the greatest of my life and I have no regrets. I know my stats were not as good this season, but when I came back for my senior year, it was because I wanted another year with the boys and Coach (David) Perno and to be at UGA. I felt like all those were positives, and I really appreciate everything Georgia and the program did for me, and the friendships I've made."

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