University of Kentucky shortstop Chris Wade, an 11th-round pick in last month’s Major League Baseball draft, announced Monday that he has signed with the Florida Marlins.
Wade, out of Lexington Christian Academy, is the third Wildcat in the 2009 draft group to sign. LHP Chris Rusin, a fourth-round selection, signed with the Chicago Cubs. RHP Clint Tilford, a 31st-round pick, signed with the Colorado Rockies.
CHRIS WADE
The 6-foot, 160-pounder is the first UK shortstop to earn first- or second-team all-SEC recognition since Dickie Parsons in 1961, and one of only four such Wildcat shortstops in the program’s 105-year history.
After redshirting his freshman year, Wade opened the 2008 season as the starting shortstop. He started all 63 games, batting .296 (67-for-226) with five homers and 51 RBI. He also led the SEC with 24 doubles and was named to the SEC’s all-freshman team.
Wade started 50 games last season, missing four because of a hamstring injury. He hit .313 (56-for-179) with six homers and 42 RBI. He also had 10 doubles, a triple and stole 14 bases in 17 attempts. He totaled 14 multi-hit games, nine multi-RBI games and finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak. He also had a 13-game streak as a freshman.
His career totals with the Wildcats include a .304 average (123-for-405), 11 homers, 93 RBI, 77 runs, 34 doubles and 20 stolen bases in 25 attempts. Perhaps more noteworthy is his defensive prowess. His career fielding percentage of .951 includes a .962 effort as a sophomore.
Wade’s season highlights include a 4-for-5, five-RBI game in his final home game, against Morehead State. He also belted a grand slam homer to give the Wildcats a walkoff victory and series sweep of Indiana State, and hit an 11th-inning homer to knock off New Orleans.
A tip of the cap to Brent Ingram of UK media relations for the details.
