June 6, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB first baseman Ryan Keedy was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft Friday. The All-American Keedy becomes the first Blazer to be drafted since Mitch Jones was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 25th round of the 2003 MLB Draft.

Keedy, a first-team All-Conference USA selection this season, posted the third highest single-season batting average in school history this past season and fourth highest in Conference USA history (.423). He finished his UAB career with a school record .382 career batting average.

"I'm super excited," Keedy said. "The Cubs are a great team. I met with them yesterday and I was excited that they had some interest. I'm just very fortunate to be drafted by them."

The Gardendale, Ala. native set the UAB school record for doubles in a single-season with 29 and tied a school record with 99 hits in 2008, while also finishing with 69 RBI to rank fifth all-time at UAB.

He had 46 walks to help him boast an on base percentage of .519, which is the second highest figure in Conference USA history. Current Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis held a .549 on base percentage playing for Cincinnati in 2001 to set the league superlative.

Defensively, Keedy made just one error, while leading the league in putouts with 513.

Following the season, Keedy become the fourth Blazer all-time to garner All-America honors.