Paul Keck, who was the starting catcher for the Lee University baseball team, has become the third member of the 2006 Flames' club to sign a professional baseball contract. He is scheduled to report to the Seattle Mariners Rookie League team in Peoria, Ariz. on Thursday.
Earlier, pitcher Jon Kirby was drafted and signed by the San Diego Padres. He is currently pitching for the Eugene (Ore.) Emeralds (Class A). BJ Church is pitching for the Florence (Ky.) Freedom of the Pioneer Independent League.
"I was drafted by Seattle in 2003, but decided not to sign," said Keck from his home in Pleasanton, Calif. "I'm very excited to have this opportunity to play pro baseball. The scout (Stacy Pettis) said one of their catchers (that had been drafted) got hurt, and that opened the door for me."
Keck, who played one season for the Flames, hit .339 and knocked in 48 runs, while blasting seven home runs and 12 doubles. He was named the Southern States Athletic Conference, Region XIII and NAIA National Player of the Week after a tremendous showing in early April.
Keck's signing brings to five the number of former Flames now playing professional baseball. Pitcher Joel Posey (a member of the 2004squad) is at Kane
