Three Former Dukes Selected in 2007 MLB First Year Players Draft
Pittsfield, Massachusetts. (Tuesday June 12, 2007) – Randy Gress
(Quinnipiac University), a Duke from 2004-06, Terry Doyle (Boston
College) a member of the 2005 squad, and Joseph Ayers (Boston
College) a Duke in 2006, were selected in last weekend’s Major
League Baseball’s First Year Players Draft.
Randy Gress (Quinnipiac University), who was the first player ever
signed in Dukes history, was selected in the 18th round by the
Atlanta Braves. In his third and final season with the Dukes last
summer, Gress was awarded the NECBL’s Most Improved Player of the
Year Award. For the 2006 season Gress, who started every game at
shortstop for the Dukes, was second on the team in hitting with a
.284 average, doubles with 10, RBIs with 18 and tied for the team
lead in homeruns with two.
Terry Doyle was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 21st round
on Saturday. Doyle made 12 appearances for the Dukes in 2005,
starting ten games, carrying a record of 1-6 with an ERA of 4.68.
This past season for Boston College the junior was 4-5 and carried a
5.87 earned-run average while recording 47 strikeouts and walking 30
in 69.0 innings for the Eagles.
Joe Ayers, a senior second baseman, was a member of the Dukes in
2006 and was selected in the 48th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
For the Dukes in 2006 Ayers appeared in 21 games, all starts,
hitting at a clip of .163, hitting one double, one homer and driving
five after recovering from an arm injury partway through the Dukes
’06 campaign. At Boston College this season Ayers hit .280 in 49
games this spring registering 44 hits, including nine doubles, one
triple and two home runs. He drove in 21 runs and had a .967
fielding percentage.
Season tickets for the Dukes are available now. Tickets can be
purchased online at www.pittsfielddukes.com or by calling (413)
447-DUKE.
The Dukes appreciate your support. GO DUKES!!!
