Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Kelly Signs contract with Miners
10/20/2009 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
Oct. 20, 2009
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners announced Tuesday that they have signed catcher Mark Kelly, who was the leading hitter at Southern Illinois University the past three seasons.
In four seasons with the Salukis, Kelly hit .354 with 10 home runs and 155 RBIs in 185 games. As a senior in 2009 he led the team in batting average (.333), hits (73), RBIs (39), doubles (15) and total bases (100). He also threw out 51 percent (23 of 45) of attempted base stealers as he was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Team for the third consecutive year.
"Mark had a great career here as a Saluki," head coach Dan Callahan said. "The fact that he led the team in hitting three years in a row is a pretty strong indicator of the success he had here. I'm happy for Mark because he gets a chance to continue playing. The Miners and coach Pinto have a great track record of developing teams and players I'm sure Mark's ultimate goal is to play organization ball and its neat to see the Miners give him the opportunity to get there."
Kelly is the third former Saluki to sign with the Miners. The list of former Salukis who played for the Miners also includes outfielder Kevin Koski and second baseman Tyler Lairson. The rookie Kelly will be 23 years old when spring training begins in 2010.
For a complete Miners schedule and the latest news on the team and events at Rent One Park, visitwww.southernillinoisminers.com.
