June 14, 2003

Samford senior right fielder Robert Evans has signed with the Boston Red Sox becoming the first Bulldog in two seasons to sign with a major league baseball team. Evans joined the Lowell Spinners, the Red Sox's Short Season-A team, in Lowell, Mass. Saturday.

Evans hit .329 during the 2003 season. He knocked in 28 RBI on 10 doubles, two triples and six home runs and added 28 runs scored. In limited action on the mound, Evans appeared in seven games and recorded a 7.94 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched and struck out nine.

A two-sport athlete and four-year starter in right field, Evans hit .337 in four seasons for the Bulldogs finishing with 249 career hits including 50 doubles, four triples and 30 home runs and 134 RBI. Evans finished his Samford career second in career at-bats (738), hits (249), runs scored (140) and doubles (50). He earned All-Atlantic Sun Second-Team honors as a sophomore.

Robert Evans moved into several career categories after the 2003 season for Samford.

On the mound, Evans pitched in 50 games going 4-8 with two saves. He recorded 74 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings.

Short Season-A ball begins Tuesday for the Lowell Spinners with a game against the Tri-City Valley Cats. Visit www.lowellspinners.com for more information.