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Three Utes Sign With Major League Teams
6/15/2001 12:00 AM | Baseball
June 15, 2001
SALT LAKE CITY--Juniors Chris Shelton, Ryan Bailey and Travis Palmer decided to forego their senior seasons at Utah to play in the major league. The right-handed pitcher Bailey signed with the Anaheim Angels after being drafted in the 31st round. Mountain West Conference player of the Year Chris Shelton signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being taken in the 33rd round. Right-handed pitcher Travis Palmer, who was drafted in the 41st round by the St. Louis Cardinals, was the final Ute to sign.
Shelton led the conference with a .753 slugging percentage and led the Utes with a .374 batting average, 19 home runs, 66 RBI and 22 doubles. The Salt Lake City native ranked 12th in the nation in home runs. Bailey led the team in wins and went 7-5 on the season with a 6.70 ERA. The California native was named to the all-MWC first team. Palmer led the Utes in innings pitched (99) and finished the season at 5-5 with a 5.91 ERA. The Sandy, Utah native was named to the all-MWC second team.
"I'm really happy these guys have a chance to play in the majors. It's a great thing for our program that major league baseball has an interest in our guys," said Coach Tim Esmay.
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