Randy Bell had always been told he was small, but now he’s a big leaguer.

The former Centreville Academy star and current South Alabama pitcher was selected Tuesday in the 10th round (No. 303 overall) by the Seattle Mariners in the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting it today,” Bell said. “It is exciting. It’s a dream come true.”

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior said proving size is not a factor in talent has strongly influenced him to continue playing baseball.

This was Bell’s first time being drafted from either high school, his time at Hinds Community College or South Alabama.

“Just being undersized, I had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication,” he said. “Being told I’m not big enough or strong enough, I think my success has spoken volumes. I’ve always tried to remain humble.”

During his final year, Bell tallied a 3.63 ERA in 107.1 innings for the Jaguars. He went 14-4 with seven complete games and 156 strikeouts in 195.1 innings in his two-year Jaguar career.

Bell had perhaps his best outing of this season June 2 at the Hattiesburg Regional, where he tossed a complete game in helping lead USA past Mississippi State 6-3 in the NCAA Baseball Tournament.

While he was focused on the moment, Bell said, he thinks the win was beneficial in being chosen Tuesday.

“It had a good impact for sure, I’m just not sure how much,” he said. “Scouts were out there, and they saw me.”

Bell said he received the big news just a few minutes before the Mariners made their decision. He said he had been in contact via text message with an area-scout earlier in the day and then received a phone call.

“(The scout) texted me during the sixth or seventh round (of the draft) and asked if I would still be available to sign if something came up. I had talked to scouts here and there and filled out questionnaires, but I was thinking it would maybe happen (Wednesday). When he called, he said ‘Welcome to the Mariners.’”

Bell said his overall dedication to the sport was a large influence in continuing his athletic career.

“This is the result of working hard,” he said. “I always tried to do the little things right. It’s been a dream of mine to play professional baseball, and now I’m part of the Mariners’ family. I’m going to try to make an impact while I’m there. I’m just thanking God for this opportunity.”