Furman's Hodinka Signs Free Agent Contract With St. Louis Cardinals

June 16, 2006

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman lefthanded pitcher Ryan Hodinka has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, the club announced Friday.

Hodinka topped Furman's pitching staff with a 9-2 record and 4.53 ERA in 2006 in helping the Paladins to a 32-23 record and 16-11, Southern Conference third place regular season finish. His nine victories marked the fourth highest win total by a Furman pitcher, and he finished his career with a 22-10 mark, good for third all-time in school history.

As a junior he moved into the starting rotation and went 7-5 with a 3.66 ERA in helping Furman to a 30-29 record, Southern Conference Tournament championship, and NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Springfield, Pa., product, who graduated from Furman on June 3 with a degree in political science, will report to the Cardinals' New York-Penn League Single-A affiliate in State College, Pa. today.

Hodinka is the second Paladin to sign a professional contract this month. Former teammate, shortstop/third baseman A.J. Davidiuk, a 29th-round draft selection by San Diego, this week agreed to terms with the Padres.