BERKELEY – After a junior season in which he solidified his standing as one of the top two-way talents in college baseball, Cal pitcher/outfielder Tanner Dodson heard his name called on day one of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when he was taken with the 71^st overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays.
 
Dodson was selected in Competitive Balance Round B and was one of only six Pac-12 players to hear their name called on day one of the 2018 draft. It is the second draft selection for Dodson, who was taken in the 31^st round of the 2015 draft by the Mets. Dodson's father, Bo, was a third-round choice by the Brewers in 1989 and played 10 seasons of professional baseball.
 
Named as a finalist for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award as well as an All-Pac-12 selection, Dodson impacted the Bears in a number of ways in 2018. That started at the plate where he hit .320 with 12 doubles, 40 runs scored, 27 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He was also one of the premier outfield defenders in the conference, compiling a  .993 fielding percentage with 10 assists to earn a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive team.
 
Dodson doubled as Cal's closer and combined electric stuff with good command to have a tremendous year out of the bullpen. The right-hander set the Cal single-season saves record with 11 and compiled a 2-1 record with a 2.47 ERA in 19 appearances. Dodson struck out 35 and walked only seven in 40 innings pitched.
 
His ability to excel in several areas wasn't a new phenomenon. After breaking into the starting lineup in the middle of the 2017 season, Dodson finished his sophomore campaign with a .297 average, 14 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 29 runs and 26 RBIs. He was also Cal's opening-day starter on the mound in 2017 and finished the year with 48 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched.
 
The momentum of that season carried into the summer and Dodson further established himself as a two-way threat with a tremendous showing for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League. Originally intended to be a pitcher, he got a chance in the outfield and finished with a .365 batting average that earned him the league's batting crown. He also made eight appearances on the mound and struck out 16 while walking only five in 24.1 innings pitched.
 
Dodson's selection on Monday kicks off what should be a busy three days for Golden Bears in the draft. Rounds 3 through 10 will take place on Tuesday and rounds 11 through 40 will be held on Wednesday. The draft will be streamed live on MLB.com and fans can follow along by using the Draft Tracker.