June 16, 2008

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Pitchers Cody Adams and Shawn Joy recently signed contracts to play professional baseball. Adams signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and Joy signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees.

A native of Viola, Ill., the right-handed Adams just finished up his junior season at Southern Illinois University. He was selected in the second round -- 62nd pick overall -- by the Brewers in this year's Major League Baseball Draft.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Adams told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com on June 13. "Three years ago, I could have never told you I would be here today at Miller Park signing a contract."

Adams, one of Milwaukee's three second-round picks in this year's draft, will begin his professional career with the Brewers rookie league affiliate in Helena, Mont.

Joy, who hails from Topeka, Kan., signed a free agent contract with New York following his short two-year stint at SIU. The left-hander will be based in Tampa, Fla., playing in the Gulf Coast League.