Sam Houston graduate and Texas star Silas Ardoin didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called Monday, the second day of the Major League Baseball draft.

Ardoin, a catcher, was the first pick of the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, the 107th choice overall. He was ranked the No. 146 prospect in the draft by mlb.com.

He said he will sign with the Orioles and begin playing as soon as possible. The slot value for the 107th pick is $571,000.

The draft began Sunday with the first two rounds. Rounds 3-10 were held Monday.

A pair of other draft hopefuls, Barbe shortstop/pitcher Gavin Guidry and Rosepine catcher Ethan Frey, were not picked Monday but could be chosen today, when the draft concludes with rounds 11-20. Both have signed to play at LSU. Guidry is the third-highest rated player still available as the No. 70 ranked prospect.

Ardoin was drafted in the 36th round by the Colorado Rockies out of high school but chose to attend Texas. With the Longhorns, Ardoin has started 129 games, hitting .256. He had his best season at the plate this year, hitting .271 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. A standout defensive player, Ardoin threw out 40 percent of attempted base stealers this season (22 of 55). Ardoin helped the Longhorns reach the College World Series each of the past two seasons.

“There was a little bit of talk with the Orioles going in but the draft is crazy, anyone can get picked at random times so I took all the talk with a grain of salt,” Ardoin said.

“I’m really excited with where I landed and I feel it is the right place for me. Hearing my name called was the greatest feeling in the world. I’ve been working for this since I was a little kid. Growing up around the game, watching my dad (former McNeese star and MLB player Danny Ardoin) lit a fire under me. I have been motivated since a young age to reach this stage.”

Ardoin said being a professional will not change his approach to the game.

“I love the game, there is not going to be any difference than playing on the college level,” he said.

Ardoin said his time at Texas was rewarding.

“Texas has given so much to me, it was a blast,” he said. “I loved every second I was there and wouldn’t take it back for anything,” he said. “I got to play in the World Series twice, play for great coaches and teammates and made friends for life. In my opinion it’s the best place in the country.”

Silas said Danny has been an invaluable resource throughout his career.

“He has given me countless advice and life lessons and has helped me every step of the way,” Ardoin said. “He’s helped me reach my goal and I could not be more thankful for that.”