June 17, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- June 17 marks Opening Day of the 2008 professional baseball season for Major League Draft picks and rookie free agent signees. It also represents the beginning a new journey for a trio of former University of Memphis baseball players. Tiger record holder Adam Amar, Will Hudgens and Neil Schenk will all be suited up as their respective teams get the season underway tonight.

Adam Amar

Adam Amar • 36 • Auburn Doubledays (Class A Short-Season/Toronto Blue Jays)
League: New York-Penn
Opening Day: June 17, 2008 • 7:05 p.m. EST • vs. Batavia Muckdogs (St. Louis Cardinals)
"I'm excited to get the opportunity to play professional baseball," Amar said. "It's a dream come true. I'm going to love every minute of it and won't take anything for granted."

After a record-setting career as a Tiger from 2004-07, Amar bounced around in the in the ranks of Independent baseball last summer. Success in Independent ball earned him an invitation to participate in 2008 spring training workouts with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Amar, who is Memphis' all-time record holder in games played, hits and RBI, had a stellar summer, feasting on Independent League pitching for the Rome Coppers (New York State League) and the Reno Silver Sox (Golden Baseball League).

While with Rome, Amar hit .385 with two homers, nine doubles and 12 RBI. He was selected to participate in, and won a Home Run Derby against a select player from the Syracuse Chiefs (AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays) roster. Amar was named to the New York State League's All-Star team and was touted as the League's MVP. However, after 10 games and a month of action, the New York State League folded, forcing him to look elsewhere to continue his baseball career.

The Lake Mary, Fla., native worked out for Batavia, before landing a spot on the Reno roster in August. Amar swung a hot bat for manager and former big leaguer Les Lancaster in Reno. In 24 games he hit .354, with 19 RBI, 11 doubles and pounded out five home runs--three of which came in a career night against Orange County on Aug. 24.

Will Hudgens

Will Hudgens • 51 • Billings Mustangs (Rookie/Cincinnati Reds)
League: Pioneer League (North Division)
Opening Day: June 17, 2008 • 7:05 p.m. MT • @ Missoula Osprey (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Hudgens was drafted by the Reds in the 23rd round (689th overall pick) of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 6.

As a member of the Mustangs pitching staff, Hudgens will be coached by former Cincinnati Reds great and 1991 MLB All-Star pitcher Tom Browning.

Billings will be playing its first game in the newly constructed Dehler Stadium.

Neil Schenk

Neil Schenk • 27 • Hudson Valley Renegades (Class A Short-Season/Tampa Bay Rays)
League: New York-Penn
Opening Day: June 17, 2008 • 7:05 p.m. EST • vs. Aberdeen Ironbirds (Baltimore Orioles)
Schenk, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 23rd round (683rd overall pick) of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 6, joins Amar in the New York-Penn League.

Ironically, June 17th is not only Schenk's first pro game, but it is also the southpaw's 22nd birthday. He is joined on the Renegades roster by Mike Ross, who signed with Memphis, but was drafted in the 2007 Draft, and former Tulane Green Wave Anthony Scelfo.

Chris Kirkland

Chris Kirkland • 27 • ASL Mariners (Rookie/Seattle Mariners)
League: Arizona
Opening Day: June 22, 2008 • 10:30 a.m. MT • vs. AZL Padres (San Diego Padres)
Tiger catcher-turned-pitcher Kirkland, who drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 36th round, is playing for the Arizona League Mariners. They get the 2008 season underway on June 22 at 10:30 a.m. versus the Arizona League Padres.

Scott McGregor

Scott McGregor
The St. Louis Cardinals 15th round pick, McGregor, has yet to sign.