Miners Sign SIU Catcher Kelly
Published on October 20, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have signed catcher Mark Kelly, the leading hitter at SIU in 2009.
In four seasons with the Salukis, Kelly hit .354 with 10 home runs and 155 RBIs in 185 games. As a senior in 2009 he led the team in batting average (.333), hits (73), RBIs (39), doubles (15) and total bases (100). He also threw out 51 percent (23 of 45) of attempted base stealers as he was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Team for the third consecutive year.
"I asked (Miners Coach) Ralph (Santana) to scout Mark a couple of times last spring, and we have had our eye on him for some time now," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "Mark has shown himself to be an excellent college hitter for the last four years at SIU and is ready to show he can do the same at the professional level. We are looking forward to seeing him in spring training and watching him develop at the next level."
Kelly is the third former Saluki to sign with the Miners. The list of former Salukis who played for the Miners also includes outfielder Kevin Koski and second baseman Tyler Lairson. The rookie Kelly will be 23 years old when spring training begins in 2010.
For a complete Miners schedule and the latest news on the team and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from October 20, 2009
- Lake Erie Crushers Ace Paul Fagan Recognized By Baseball America - Lake Erie Crushers
- Agreste Named To Baseball America's Top Prospects List - Gateway Grizzlies
- Miners Sign SIU Catcher Kelly - Southern Illinois Miners
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