Lee senior Blake Barber will join five teammates in getting an opportunity to play professional baseball. The senior second baseman signed a free agent contract with the Miami Marlins on Friday morning.
Barber paced the 56-11-1 Flames with a .403 batting average. He banged out 100 hits, including 19 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. The talented hitter also collected 69 runs batted in and was named the SSAC Player of the Year and was one of three Lee players named NAIA First Team All-Americans.
“We are extremely excited Blake is getting this opportunity," said coach Mark Brew.
"We thought he might get taken in the draft, but at this point and time it’s all the same and Blake is getting his shot. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached and his leadership and on field play were a huge part of our success this season. He will most likely be moved to the outfield, but I don’t anticipate any problems with the position change as Blake is a very athletic player. We wish him the best as he begins his professional career with the Marlins organization.”
Draft Update - Vance Spilker (Arizona) and Jorge Saez (Toronto) have already inked pro contacts and have reported to the Diamondback and Blue Jay training camps to await their first assignments. Kris Hall is in Phoenix and will undergo a physical before likely signing with the Oakland A's. Pat Merkling and Andy Hillis have reportedly joined Cape Cod League teams (summer league) but both are expected to sign with the Marlins and Cardinals. Gabby Roa (Wabash Valley College) and a recruit for the 2013 season, was drafted and has signed a contract with the Texas Rangers.