The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Roberson Signs Professional Contract With Angels Organization
6/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 19, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB pitcher Kyle Roberson, who recently completed his senior season as a member of the Blazer baseball team, has signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Roberson signed on Friday and will start his professional career with the Orem Owlz, the Angels' rookie-level team in Orem, Utah. The Owlz, which play in the short-season Pioneer League, open their 2009 campaign June 23.
"It's exciting to get the chance to continue my baseball career," Roberson said. "I've always wanted the opportunity to play professionally, and I'll be there and ready to go next week."
Roberson, a right-handed starter at UAB, led the Blazers with six wins in 2009 and posted a 5.69 ERA. He struck out 67 batters while leading the team with 80.2 innings pitched. His most memorable start of the season came April 20 at Southern Miss, when he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the eventual College World Series participant.
For his career, Roberson posted 12 victories on the mound, and he ranks sixth all-time at UAB with 160 career strikeouts. He appeared in 64 games in a Blazer uniform, and his 35 career starts also rank sixth in school annals.
"We are thrilled for Kyle as this is almost every baseball player's dream," UAB head coach Brian Shoop said. "A lot of teams were following Kyle, so we are not surprised to see him given this opportunity. Kyle was obviously a key member of our pitching staff the last three years, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to have coached him.
"We thank Angels scout Jim Bryant for providing Kyle this opportunity, and we fully believe that Kyle will go out and represent UAB in a great fashion both on and off the field. He is very capable of succeeding at a high level for the Angles organization."
