Millions of young athletes dream of the day when they are fortunate enough to play professional sports. Lee University's Jon Kirby is one of those who will get the opportunity to play at the next level. The official call came from the San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon.

The first-team NAIA All-American pitcher received the news from Padres scout Ashley Lawson on Wednesday. "I told him I'd sign for a bologna sandwich and a bus ticket," said the excited Kirby. "I'm pumped. All I wanted was a chance to pitch in professional baseball. I'm scheduled to talk more about my contract and know exactly where I'm headed later on Wednesday night."

Kirby was picked in the 31st round by the Padres. He fully understands he will not be a highly-paid athlete in the beginning, but he's also the first to admit that he just wants a chance to prove himself, just like he did for two seasons with the Flames and all NAIA opponents.

The hard-throwing righthander becomes the first Lee player to be drafted. Several have played independent pro ball and pitcher Joel Posey signed a free agent contract a few weeks back with the Oakland A's.

"I'm really excited for Jon," said coach David Altopp, who recently retired as the Lee head baseball coach. "I know this is what he wanted. Hopefully, he will do well. I know he'll be focused. He has always wanted the ball in the big games for us. He's a bulldog with a live arm. Not only can Kirby throw hard, he's got a real good breaking ball."

A solid force in helping the Flames make the NAIA World Series in 2005 and post back-to-back 50-win seasons, Kirby did not surrender a home run and opposing batters only hit .150 against his powerful pitches this past season. The native of Irvine, Ky. matched his single-game strikeout record with 16 against one of the nation's best NAIA teams, Auburn University at Montgomery. He finished his two-year Lee career with 241 strikeouts, just four short of the record held by Brandon Cofer. His two-season pitching record was 24-4. Two of the four defeats were in 1-0 games.