June 8, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Senior second baseman Bill Moss became the first Tiger since 2004 to be taken in Major League Draft today when he was selected by the Chicago Cubs as the third pick of the 28th round.

"I am excited for Bill (Moss)," said Head Coach Daron Schoenrock. "This is a well-deserved honor and opportunity to go and continue his career at the professional level. With what he has done for us in the oast two seasons, he has certainly proved that he belongs in pro baseball. The coaching staff and Tiger nation wish him the best of success and we look forward to following his career."

Memphis has not had a player drafted in the MLB Draft since Brent Dlugach (sixth round), Bill Edwards (28th round), Jarrett Grube (10th round) and Derek Hankins (10th round) were selected in 2004.

The 847th overall pick, Moss had one of the strongest collegiate careers in recent Memphis history. Moss got his career off to a memorable start in 2003 when he homered twice in his first game in a Memphis uniform. From that point on, the Christian Brothers High School product went on to finish second all-time in Tiger baseball history with 250 hits and 157 runs scored. He also played in 205 games and banged out 55 career doubles--both good for third all-time at Memphis.

Moss led Memphis with a .342 average and 16 doubles as a sophomore. He paced the Tigers in hits (85) and doubles (24) in 2006, before banging out a team and career-high 14 homers as part of a solid all-around senior campaign. His 14 round trippers this year was tops in Conference USA, while his 24 doubles in 2006 ranks second on Memphis' single-season record list.

Moss had his best season this year as he helped lead Memphis to its firs NCAA Regional appearance in 13 years. He hit .338 and dialed in a career-high totals in runs (54), home runs (14) and RBI (54). He was tabbed a 2007 All-C-USA selection after a solid regular season and then earned 2007 All-C-USA Tournament honors after helping guide Memphis to its second consecutive C-USA Championship semifinal appearance.

Moss is the first Tigers to be selected in the Daron Schoenrock Era, and the third U of M player to be taken by the Chicago Cubs since 2000. Jonathan Leicester and Ryan O'Malley were also drafted by the Cubs, in 2000 and 2002, respectively.