Biola senior pitcher Bobby O'Neill has been selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 43rd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 following junior closer Cameron McVey’s selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 22nd round of the draft, going as the 687th selection overall on the second day of the three-day draft.

"Playing baseball is something I've done my whole life and now I can finally turn it into a career," said McVey. "And what an opportunity to play for the defending World Champs!"

McVey, who was voted the GSAC Closer of the Year, was 2-3 with a 2.53 ERA, recording 14 saves and 39 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched, holding opposing hitters to a .181 batting average. He had as many saves as the next highest team in the conference and twice as many as another individual pitcher. McVey was third overall in the NAIA in saves.

O'Neill, a senior from Phelan, wrapped up a strong four-year career at Biola. He posted a 4-6 overall record with a 4.64 ERA, though he finished the season as one of Biola's best pitchers. Over his final 12 games, O'Neill was 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA. That included a dominating performance in the Golden State Athletic Conference tournament game against Point Loma Nazarene where he allowed just two runs on eight hits to the high-powered Sea Lions over the first eight innings to get the win.

"It's a pretty awesome experience especially since I wasn't expecting it at the beginning of the season," said O'Neill. "I have heard good things about the Twins organization and I am excited to play for them."

McVey, who originally hails from Glendora and transferred to Biola from Mt. San Antonio College, was one of four All-GSAC selections for the Eagles this season. He also earned GSAC Pitcher of the Week honors on April 4 after recording four saves in as many opportunities as Biola won five games in one week. He allowed just two hits in those four appearances while striking out six.

"I want to say thank you to Coach Verhoeven for helping me to get ready to pursue my career as a professional athlete," said McVey. "I believe everything happens for a reason and I am glad God is helping out and putting me on his path."

McVey will play in the Alaska Baseball League this summer for the Peninsula Oilers based out of Kenai, Alaska. Once the summer ball season ends, McVey will report to the Giants. 

O'Neill completed his career at Biola with a 15-11 overall record and a 6.47 ERA, making 56 appearances including 25 starts. He struck out 122 batters in 167 innings and picked up a save earlier in the 2011 season.

"The people at Biola are great and show me a lot about my Christian faith," said O'Neill. "Coach Verhoeven has been great. He has had to deal with me and I've had to deal with him over the last four years, but it's been a lot of fun and I have learned a lot over that time."

O'Neill will report to the Twins minor league system by the end of the month.

McVey becomes the 18th Biola player drafted by an MLB team and the 13th under Head Coach John Verhoeven. O'Neill is the 19th Biola player drafted by an MLB team and the 14th under Head Coach John Verhoeven.

Biola produced the largest contingent with two selections, according to the Whittier Daily News.