University of Albany´s Ryan Gugel Signs Free Agent Contract With Philadelphia Phillies Organization - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Ryan Gugel became the third player in as many seasons to sign a professional contract, as he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization on Friday, June 12. Gugel, a senior catcher, reported to Clearwater, Fla. to train with the organization’s rookie league team, the Gulf Coast Phillies.

Gugel recently completed his second season with the Great Danes, finishing with a .303 average and a team-high nine home runs. Gugel, who transferred to UAlbany from Genesee Community College, earned his second all-conference award this season, moving up to the first team after a second-team appearance last season. He started 57 games as a senior, splitting time behind the plate and as a designated hitter. He finished with 59 hits, including 11 doubles and two triples, scored 44 runs and finished with a team-high 49 RBI, while also stealing 16 bases.

“Ryan is an extremely hard working student-athlete,” UAlbany coach Jon Mueller said. “This is a great opportunity for Ryan and his family.”

The Great Danes have had six players selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, while Gugel becomes the latest in a long line of UAlbany athletes who have signed free agent professional contracts. Gugel will wait to see if he will stay in Clearwater with the Gulf Coast Phillies, or if he will be assigned to the short-season A affiliate, the Williamsport Crosscutters.