June 8, 2007

Illinois senior shortstop Shawn Roof was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Friday. Roof is the second Illinois player selected in the draft, along with catcher Lars Davis, who was selected in the third round by the Colorado Rockies.

"This is a great opportunity for Shawn, and he is very deserving of it," Illinois coach Dan Hartleb said. "He is a player who makes the most of his talent and he has an incredible work ethic. He will be a great addition to the Tigers' organization."

Roof hit .298 this season with 15 doubles - third on the Illini team - and broke the single-season stolen bases record, becoming the first player in Illinois history to swipe 40 bases in a season. He finished his career with a .303 batting average and 65 steals, in addition to breaking the single-season and career records for hit-by-pitch.

Roof's father, Gene, is a roving instructor for the Tigers, and his uncle, Phil, worked in the Minnesota Twins' farm system for many years. Both of his younger brothers, Eric and Jonathan, will be playing for Michigan State next season.