Kansas University pitchers and roommates Jeff Davis and Dan Olson will be playing professional baseball for a living.

Davis, a 6-foot-3 senior from Lawrence High and Olson, 6-3 from Loveland, Colo., on Wednesday were selected in the 31st and 32nd rounds of the big league draft respectively. They soon will report to minor league affiliates of the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins respectively.

“I feel great. It’s a big relief,” said Davis, who was 5-5 with a 3.99 earned run average this season.

The right-hander led KU’s team in innings pitched (94.2) and strikeouts (56) and defeated two top 20 teams, including a 5-3 decision over Texas in Austin.

“It’s a surprise it was Cleveland,” David said.

“I thought it might be a couple other teams. I’ve thought about this ever since I started playing baseball. It’s a lot of goals finally coming around.”

Indians’ scout Steve Abney, who lives in Lawrence, called Davis right after Davis’ teammate Chris Smart who had been checking the Internet was the first to inform the former LHS player he’d been taken.

“I thought I’d go somewhere in the 20s,” Davis said of rounds. “The whole draft you never know what will happen. A lot of people say the draft is for underclassmen and high school players. For seniors like myself it’s for bragging rights if you get drafted. It doesn’t matter what round. It’s not like a million dollar choice. I just want an opportunity.”

Olson, who went 4-3 with a 4.00 earned run average, didn’t know Florida would tab him.

“I knew they had some interest because they sent me some stuff,” Olson said. “I hadn’t been talking to them or anything. What do I know about them? I know they are .500 this year and are in Florida.”

Olson the righty’s big win was a 14-3 decision over Nebraska was drafted by Minnesota out of high school.

“I knew the opportunity would arise again,” he said. “I was happy that I was actually chosen.”

He received word of his selection from Davis.

“It is something every kid dreams about, to make it in the pros,” Olson said. “Just to have the opportunity is a dream come true.”

The roommates headed out for an afternoon game of catch what else once the draft was completed.

“We both are excited about it,” Davis said.

“I’ve been playing baseball ever since I was 5 or 6. I still have a lot to prove. So far a lot of work has paid off. Now I’m glad to take it to the next level.”