Former Jayhawk Kyle Murphy Signs with Texas Rangers

June 20, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Texas Rangers announced that they have come to terms with former University of Kansas outfielder Kyle Murphy. Murphy, a 5-foot-11 outfielder from Beloit, Wis., was one of nine players the Rangers signed on Tuesday.

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Murphy made his professional debut Tuesday night, going 0-for-2 for the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League. Spokane is a Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.

Murphy played two seasons for the Jayhawks, batting .332 this past season with four home runs, 15 doubles and 50 runs scored. He was one of the team’s most consistent producers throughout the season after being moved to the top of the lineup in late February. From March 16 to the end of the season, Murphy’s batting average never dropped below .300.

The senior outfielder was selected in the 19th round (590 overall) by the Rangers.

The 5-foot-11 outfielder is the first Jayhawk to be signed by a Major League organization this season.