By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

When the year began, Drew Smyly was pitching for a shot in the big leagues, but starting in October he’ll be pitching for his country.

Smyly, who plays for the Erie SeaWolves of Erie, Pa., the Double A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, was one of the 24 players picked to play for the United States in the 2011 Pan American Games on Oct. 14 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Smyly, who finished his college career at the University of Arkansas earlier this year, is familiar with the city of Selma.

Drew visited the city often ever since he was a young boy to see his grandfather, lifelong Selma resident Bill Smyly, who passed away two years ago.

Drew’s father, Todd, said his son’s success fills him with pride.

“We’ve been proud of him his whole life,” Todd said. “Just watching him from little league to high school and then college playing in the SEC and then getting drafted is like the dream just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s just been fun to watch him grow each year.”

Drew was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Tigers and currently has a record of 7-3 with a 2.58 ERA for the SeaWolves.

If Drew is called up to the majors before the start of the Pan Am Games, he would not be eligible to play in the games due to rules stating participants cannot be on a 40-man major league roster. Todd said Drew is not expected to be called up to the majors with this being his first season, but it’s a good situation to be in.

“It’s a win-win for him because it’s his first year out of college,” Todd said. “He’s either going to be on Team USA or he’s going to get called up to the big leagues.”

Attempts to contact Drew Smyly were unsuccessful.