GWU's Bullard Signs Professional Contract With Atlanta Braves
June 25, 2008 | Baseball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb junior Adam Bullard,
who was selected in the 43rd round of the Major League Baseball
Draft earlier this month, signed a lucrative professional contract
with the Atlanta Braves.
"Our staff is extremely excited about the opportunity Adam Bullard
has been given to play in the Atlanta Braves organization," said
Stroupe. "Players that are drafted and signed following their
junior year are prospects that the teams feel have major league
potential, so we expect Adam to have a reasonable shot of pitching
in the big leagues."
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound righthander is the third junior draft pick
to sign with a major league organization since Coach Rusty
Stroupe's arrival at Gardner-Webb in 2003 – joining outfielder
Sam Bradford (21st round, Mariners, 2003) and pitcher Zach Ward
(3rd round, Reds, 2005).
"Our program is tremendously honored to have seen three juniors
sign in the last several years. Sam [Bradford] made it to Triple A
and Zach [Ward] is on track to pitch with the Twins on the major
league level soon. This is a credit to our program and we couldn't
me more excited – though we certainly will miss having Adam on
the mound for us next year. We do understand that when have a
quality baseball program, the pro teams are going to take
notice."
Bullard, who relies on a strong fastball in the 92-96 mph range,
will begin his professional career with the Danville Braves of the
Appalachian League. The Mauldin, S.C., native was Gardner-Webb's
top righthanded relief man in 2008, helping the ‘Dogs advance
to the Atlantic Sun Conference title game.
Bullard helped his stock with several strong outings this college
wooden bat season with the Forest City Owls – forging a 1-1
record with a 2.79 ERA, three saves and 10 strikeouts in 10
apperances (9.2 innings).
