June 13, 2013
Illini in the 2013 MLB Draft
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The four Illini selected during last week's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft have all signed professional contracts. Seniors Justin Parr and Kevin Johnson completed their eligibility, while juniors Jordan Parr and Thomas Lindauer will forgo their senior seasons at Illinois. The University of Illinois boasted the most draft picks by a Big Ten team in 2013 with four.
Justin Parr, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth round, will begin his professional career with the Williamsport (Pa.) Crosscutters, the Phillies' Class A short-season affiliate. The Crosscutters' season begins Monday, June 17, when they face the State College Spikes.
Jordan Parr, who was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 15th round, will start out his career on the Hillsboro (Ore.) Hops (Class A short season) with his older brother and former Illini Josh Parr. The Hops open their season on Friday, June 14, when they take on the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
After being picked in the 23rd round by the Houston Astros, Lindauer's first step on the professional baseball ladder will be with the Class A short-season Tri-City (N.Y.) ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. The ValleyCats open the 2013 campaign Monday, June 17, by hosting the Vermont Lake Monsters.
Rounding out the Illini joining the professional ranks is Johnson, who was selected in the 24th round by the Oakland Athletics. He will head to Scottsdale, Ariz., to continue his rehab in extended spring.
