Former Surry pitcher Hamilton Bennett became the latest player with Surry ties to be drafted in the 2010 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

Bennett was taken in the 29th round by the New York Mets on Tuesday.

Bennett spent the 2009 season at Surry after transferring from Winthrop University. After completing his sophomore season with the Knights, Bennett had an outstanding junior season at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee.

The lefthander posted a 7-2 record with a 3.64 earned run average while also pitching a perfect game with fourteen strikeouts on May 1 against the University of Virginia at Wise. He became the 20th pitcher in NAIA history to pitch a perfect game. Bennett helped lead Tennessee Wesleyan College to its first appearance in the NAIA World Series.

While at Surry, Bennett led the Knights to a 30-28 record and fourth place finish in the 2009 Region X Tournament. He notched a complete game win in the tournament over Guilford Tech. For the season, Bennett posted a 5-3 record with a 2.82 earned run average. In 67 inning pitched, he recorded 76 strikeouts while allowing only 12 walks.

“Hamilton was a hard working young man that was a pleasure to coach,” stated Surry head baseball coach Jamie Lowe. “It’s great to see players come through our program and get drafted. It’s every kids dream to be drafted into professional baseball, and I’m extremely happy for him.”

Bennett will join former Surry players Cory Harrilchak, Atlanta Braves; Aaron King, San Francisco Giants; Cole McCurry, Baltimore Orioles; and Josh Whitlock, Chicago Cubs all currently active in professional baseball.