Three Jags going pro

By David Hopper The Vanguard

July 13, 2007

Mobile, AL (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Three South Alabama baseball players are set to compete on the next level. Pitcher Joey Doan, first baseman Jeff Cunningham and catcher Joel Collins have all turned pro. Juniors Cunningham and Collins were selected in the Major League Baseball draft on June 8, and senior Doan is expected to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox. The selection of Cunningham by the Colorado Rockies and Collins by the Toronto Blue Jays marks the eighth consecutive year that multiple Jaguars have been drafted.

"We're excited for (Cunningham and Collins)," USA coach Steve Kittrell said. "They came here as freshmen and had outstanding careers here at South Alabama."

Cunningham signed his deal with the Colorado Rockies on June 13. Cunningham will make his professional debut with the Rookie League playing for the Casper Rockies of the Pioneer Baseball League. Collins also signed a deal officially making him a pro. He came to terms on a contract with Toronto that will place him with the Single-A Auburn Doubledays of the New York-Penn League.

Cunningham was taken in the seventh round as the 222nd overall selection. He is coming off an outstanding season that was highlighted by hitting a single season team record of 22 home runs. The Vincennes, Ind., native was named a Third-Team Collegiate Baseball All-American and was a first team selection for the Sun Belt All-Conference team. He batted .328, led the team with 64 RBIs and 142 total bases, and had a staggering .717 slugging percentage. "Obviously, I am very excited," said Cunningham. "This is a day I have been waiting for since I started playing baseball. It's a dream come true and I want to thank all the people that have helped me get to this day. All of my coaches, teammates, friends and family have a lot to do with this and I want to thank them all."

Collins, who hails from Richmond Hill, Ontario, was selected by the Blue Jays in the tenth round. "My dad has been a Toronto season ticket holder since their inaugural season of 1977," said Collins. "I grew up as a Blue Jays fan from the time I was a little kid. I owe a lot to a lot of people and I will be making plenty of calls to let them all know."

Collins started three years behind the plate. In the 2007 season, he threw out 56 percent of would-be base stealers. Collins batted .335 with 11 homers and 48 RBIs last season.

Doan finished his career at South Alabama with a 17-18 record. Doan's best season was 2006 when he recorded career highs in wins (6) and strikeouts (50). Doan also made the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament team that season.