Ryan Fitzgerald Signed by Chicago Cubs
6/11/2003 7:00:00 AM | Baseball
OMAHA, Neb. -- Former Creighton baseball head coach Jim Hendry has turned to his old stomping grounds for his latest minor leaguer. The current General Manager of the Chicago Cubs has signed former Creighton outfielder Ryan Fitzgerald to a minor league deal after the Bluejay outfielder was bypassed in last week’s Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.
Fitzgerald is the second member of this season’s Creighton team with the opportunity to play pro ball, joining eighth-round pick Tom Oldham. Oldham remains unsigned by Seattle and has the option of returning to pitch his senior season at Creighton.
Fitzgerald was Creighton’s top offensive player last season, hitting .294 while leading the team with 10 homers, 39 RBI, eight triples, 15 doubles and 41 runs. In addition, he swiped eight bases and garnered two assists while patrolling centerfield for every inning of Creighton’s 57-game season.
He wrapped up his career tied for eighth in Bluejay history with 12 triples while hitting .275 with 18 homers, 72 RBI and 26 stolen bases. He played in all but one game over the last two seasons for the Bluejays, starting 106 of his 110 appearances.
Fitzgerald reports to Mesa (Ariz.) this weekend and will likely play in the Arizona League for the Mesa Cubs. Their season starts June 22nd.
“I’m really excited and happy to get the opportunity to go down to Arizona,” said Fitzgerald. “I’ve got nothing to lose and will play my hardest and see what happens.”
Creighton’s Signees/Draft Picks under Jack Dahm
Name Year Team
Eric Dantzler 1994 San Francisco
Rick Heiserman 1994 Cleveland
Dan Hower 1994 Texas
Tyson Kimm 1995 Philadelphia
Gary Dose 1995 Minnesota
Mike Stick 1995 Chicago Cubs
A.J. Walkanoff 1995 Los Angeles
Mike Mahoney 1995 Atlanta
Chad Meyers 1996 Chicago Cubs
Kevin Frederick 1998 Minnesota
Ryan Gripp 1999 Chicago Cubs
Peyton Lewis 1999 Toronto
Vince Pietro 2000 Cleveland
Dan Gooris 2000 Cincinnati
Ken Sarna 2000 Kansas City
Dan Lawler 2001 Chicago Cubs
Tim Gradoville 2002 Philadelphia
Tom Oldham 2003 Seattle
Ryan Fitzgerald 2003 Chicago Cubs
