Edwards Signs With Baltimore Orioles
Jun 11 | Baseball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers junior third baseman Tom Edwards (West Caldwell, N.J.), who was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 28th round (836th overall pick) of the 2008 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft on Friday, signed with the club, forgoing his final season of eligibility.
He will report to Aberdeen, Md., to join the Orioles' Single-A affiliate Aberdeen IronBirds on Friday to begin his professional career.
"It was a tough decision but it has been a dream of mine to play professional baseball since I was a child and I am able to realize that dream," Edwards said. "I want to thank the coaches and my teammates at Rutgers for helping me become a better player. I will never forget the great times we shared at Rutgers, especially the BIG EAST Regular-Season and Tournament titles last year. I especially want to thank my family for their support and for helping me develop as a player to get to this level."
"I am happy for Tom and wish him well as he begins his professional career," said Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill. "Tom was a valuable member of our team's success and his talent has not gone unrecognized. He has a bright future on the diamond."
Edwards, who completed his degree in Sports Management in May, was originally drafted as a redshirt sophomore in the 41st round (1,233rd overall pick) of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, but chose to return for his junior season.
Edwards, an All-BIG EAST selection in 2007, hit .285 (47-for-165) as the Scarlet Knights' No. 3 hitter. He played in 48 of Rutgers' 53 games, making 45 starts. The left-handed hitter registered six doubles and two home runs in 2008. He drove in 31 runs and scored 30 more. Edwards ranked second in the BIG EAST with a team-best 41 walks. He had 12 multiple-hit games, including a pair of four-hit performances. As a regular starter the past two seasons, Edwards has hit 16 doubles and nine home runs.
The redshirt junior, who played first base last season, moved over to third base in 2008. He primarily served as Rutgers' designated hitter as a redshirt freshman in 2006.
Edwards joins nine other former Scarlet Knights currently playing professionally for Major League Baseball affiliates. Leading the group is a pair of Major League standouts in Kansas City Royals starting outfielder David DeJesus and Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jason Bergmann. Also a member of the Nationals organization, Bobby Brownlie pitches for the Columbus Clippers, the club's triple-A affiliate. Pitcher Jack Egbert is a member of the Chicago White Sox triple-A affiliate Charlotte Knights. Jeff Frazier is currently one of the Eastern League's standout hitters as a member of the Erie Seawolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Four of Edwards' teammates on the 2007 BIG EAST title winning Rutgers squad are currently in the minor leagues. Cincinnati Reds 2007 first-round draft pick Todd Frazier is currently playing with the club's Single-A affiliate Sarasota Reds. Outfielder David Williams is a member of the New York Yankees organization, currently playing for the club's Single-A affiliate, Charleston Riverdogs. Catcher Frank Meade is a member of the Cincinnati Reds with the club's rookie league affiliate Billings Mustangs, while outfielder Ryan Hill is a member of the San Diego Padres' rookie league affiliate, Arizona Padres.
