June 9, 2004

Chicago, Ill. - Former University of Illinois at Chicago outfielder Mike Hughes (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Fremd) and third baseman/catcher Nelson Gord (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove) will both take their baseball careers to the next level.

Hughes signed a free-agent contract with the Anaheim Angels, while Gord inked a deal with the Schaumburg Flyers of the independent Northern League.

Hughes, a two-time All-Horizon League First Team selection, led UIC in batting average (.364), runs (67), hits (78), triples (8), home runs (13), RBI (61), total bases (143), slugging percentage (.668) and stolen bases (13).

Gord, an All-Horizon League Second Team selection, had a breakout senior year as the Buffalo Grove, Ill., native totaled career-highs in batting average (.339), hits (63) and runs scored (43).

"Mike and Nelson have both worked very hard," UIC Head Coach Mike Dee said. "They've both elevated themselves from players who red-shirted here as freshmen to professional level players.

"I'm happy for them and we hope they both do great."

Earlier this week, both David Haehnel and Jordan DeVoir were both selected in the 2004 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. The Baltimore Orioles took Haehnel in the eighth round, while DeVoir was snatched in the 19th round by the New York Yankees.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Flames have sent a player to the professional ranks, following Steve Carlson (New York Yankees, 2001), Curtis Granderson (Detroit Tigers, 2002), Wes Gilliam (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2002), Kevin Ryan (San Diego Padres, 2002) and Kevin Nelson (New York Yankees, 2003).