Five Flashes Sign Professional Contracts
6/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Burriss, who was drafted in the first round by the San Francisco Giants, began his new career with the Salem-Keizer (Ore.) Volcanoes .The 21-year-old shortstop inked a contract worth over a million dollars before making his debut in the Class A Northwest League.
Also heading west was Balduf, who went undrafted, but was signed by the Kansas City Royals. The First Team All-MAC catcher is now competing in the Pioneer League (Rookie) with the Idaho Falls Chukars .
Saylor, Wagler and Tucker are all playing in the state of New York in the Class A New York-Penn League. Saylor, who was taken by the Florida Marlins in the 13th round, is now a member of the Jamestown Jammers . An All-American infielder at Kent State, little did Saylor know that one month after his collegiate career, two of his teammates would become opponents.
Wagler, taken in the 22nd round by the Houston Astros, recently earned his first professional victory on the mound for the Tri-City Valley Cats of the NY-Penn League. Tucker, who was picked in the 24th round by the Detroit Tigers, made his debut in the outfield with the Oneonta Tigers . Wagler and Tuckers squads will face off in an upcoming series July 5-7, while Tucker and Saylor will reunite July 8-10.
Since 1994, 35 Golden Flashes have been chosen in the MLB draft, while numerous KSU alums have seen action in the major leagues. The class of 2006 joins a handful of Golden Flashes currently playing professional ball.
