Kansas Shortstop David Narodowski Signs with Arizona Diamondbacks
June 16, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
For the third time in five days, a Kansas baseball player has inked a contract with a major league organization. On Tuesday, shortstop David Narodowski officially signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks after being drafted in the 15th round (456 overall) of last week’s amateur draft.
Narodowski will forego his senior campaign at KU to join the Diamondbacks’ organization. Late this week, he will fly out to Missoula, Mont., and will begin his pro career with the Missoula Osprey (Arizona’s Single-A affiliate).
He is the third Jayhawk to sign a pro contract since the draft last week, joining Shaeffer Hall and Buck Afenir, who both signed with the New York Yankees.
“It was really exciting to sign the contract,” Narodowski said. “It’s something you look forward to when you first have the dream of playing professional baseball. I’m excited to get started.”
Narodowski, a shortstop from Vancouver, B.C., hit .354 in his first year in the Crimson and Blue, which included eight home runs and 19 doubles. He was named the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year after hitting .353 in Big 12 games, and showed some power near the end of the season, belting five home runs in KU’s seven postseason contests.
The junior transferred to KU prior to the season from Vernon College (Texas), where he played his first two seasons of college baseball. Narodowski is eligible to return to Kansas for his senior season if he does not come to terms on a contract prior to Aug. 15.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity that David Narodowski is getting to chase his dream of playing professional baseball,” KU head coach Ritch Price said.
“I really enjoyed coaching him this season and wish him the best. The sky is the limit for him.”
