July 31, 2006

Moraga, CA - After leading the Saint Mary's Baseball team to their most successful season in 15 years, Seniors Joel Fountain, Corey Madden and Sam Carter found themselves signing contracts to minor league baseball teams.

Fountain and Madden began their professional careers just as the ended their collegiate careers, as teammates. Both Fountain and Madden were drafted by the Florida Marlins Organization and signed contracts with the Gulf Coast League Marlins, a single A affiliate of the Florida Marlins.

After a little adjustment to his new surroundings, Fountain has found his groove. The former Gael has won his previous two starts, going five innings and striking out five in each. Fountain has also allowed only one earned run in his last 22 innings pitched, lowering his ERA to 1.88. Fountain has struck out an impressive 16 batters in only 24 innings.

Madden got his professional career off on the right foot. The right hander earned a win in his first two appearances. In Maddens fourth outing he scored his third straight win. Used mostly as a relief pitcher, Madden did not give up an earned run in his first six appearances. Madden has continued his reputation of mowing down batters; recording 18 strike-outs in only 15.1 innings.

The draft is not the only method of breaking into professional baseball. Less than a week after the draft Sam Carter was contacted by the San Diego Padres Organization. The Padres signed Carter to a contract with the Arizona League Padres, a single A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

Carter's second appearance with the AZL Padres was reminiscent of his days as a Gael. Carter went 2-5 with a double and four RBIs. In his most recent outing Carter went 1-4 with and RBI. Carter has tallied 11 hits, 11 runs and 10 RBIs in 15 games played so far this season.