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Delaware's Ferdinand Ready To Go With Phils

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The University of Delaware baseball program had a pretty special weekend, as four of its standouts were selected in this year's MLB Draft.

One of those getting their pro baseball ticket punched was outfielder Nick Ferdinand, taken in the 35th round by the Phillies. Needless to say, that was a pretty cool moment for a Bensalem native and an Archbishop Ryan High School graduate.

"It's been great," Ferdinand tells KYW Newsradio. "It's kind of like a dream come true, growing up a Philadelphia fan, and living in the Philadelphia area. So it's kind of been a blessing to have the opportunity to continue to play professional baseball. Then it's even more of a blessing to be on the team that you grew up with. So it's been kind of a surreal experience so far."

Nick Ferdinand Interview

Ferdinand had a wonderful senior season at Delaware. He was first-team All-CAA and led the league with 15 home runs, while hitting .362. This came after he hit .312 with nine home runs as a junior. He says he knew he had caught the Phillies attention.

"The scout that was checking me out was a guy named Paul Murphy," Ferdinand says. "He's been kind of talking to me for the past couple years. I'm just really, really excited that he gave me the opportunity and I just can't wait to get started."

Ferdinand is starting his career down in Florida with the Phillies Gulf Coast League affiliate and he is ready to go.

"I'm extremely hungry, ready for any opportunity," Ferdinand says.

The other Delaware players to get drafted were first baseman Jimmy Yezzo (7th round - Washington), pitcher Chad Kuhl (9th round - Pittsburgh) and pitcher Matt Soren (19th round -Phillies).

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

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