Harrigan to sign free agent contract with the Texas Rangers
06/12/2006 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
June 12, 2006
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Former Southern Illinois University catcher Hunter Harrigan is expected to sign a free agent contract with the Texas Rangers this week.
A native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Harrigan is headed to Spokane, Wash., to play for the Spokane Indians, Texas' Class A Short-Season affiliate.
He will be teammates again with outfielder Grant Gerrard, who was selected by the Rangers in the seventh round of this year's Major League Baseball Draft.
"We are very happy for Hunter and very appreciative to the Texas Rangers," said SIU head coach Dan Callahan. "We felt all along that he possesses pro tools and it's nice to see a professional organization recognize them. He was a tireless worker in our program."
Harrigan transferred to SIU from Cowley County Community College in 2005, and hit just below .200 with 45 runs scored, 20 doubles, six home runs and 56 RBI. A two-year captain, he gunned down 38 baserunners in 101 starts behind the plate.
Statistically, his numbers weren't all that impressive, but it was Harrigan's other abilities that caught the eye of Rangers scout Mike Grouse.
"I was hoping I'd get an opportunity to play at the next level," said Harrigan, who was contacted by Grouse a day after the draft. "I was looking to play independent ball and was surprised to get a phone call."
Harrigan says he has known Grouse since the early stages of his baseball career.
"Mr. Grouse has followed me since high school and we have managed to stay in contact," said Harrigan. "I'm thankful he gave me this chance."
Harrigan is the third Saluki from head coach Dan Callahan's 2006 squad to move on to the professional level.
"The last two years at SIU were the most fun I've had playing baseball and I'm hoping pro ball is just as rewarding," said Harrigan. "I'm thankful for all that Coach Callahan and his staff did for me."
