Last year's top starting pitcher signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians on Monday, ending his collegiate career with Ball State.
Joe Ness was selected in the sixth round with the 184th overall pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.
He joins former Cardinal Brad Snyder in the Indians organization. Snyder was chosen by Cleveland in the first round of the 2003 draft and is currently with the Indians Double-A team Akron Aeros.
Ness will skip the Indians' rookie league team, the Burlington Indians; he will join the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Single-A team. The Scrappers are in the League and are located in Niles, Ohio, close to Youngstown.
His contract is in the same range as other sixth round draft picks, according to Beals. The Indians will also pay for the final two years of his education, if and when he decides to complete his degree in elementary education.
Ness was not available for comment.
In his junior season, Ness finished with a 5-5 overall record with a 4.01 ERA in 89.2 innings. He compiled 88 strikeouts, which was third best in the Mid-American Conference and also a career-best for Ness. He was rewarded for his performance with being named to the All-MAC Second Team.
"The first thing is, I'm excited for Joe. It's a bittersweet thing when your guys are signed as juniors," coach Greg Beals said.
During his three-year career, the right-handed starting pitcher compiled a 17-10 record and a 4.07 ERA. He leaves Ball State ranked eighth in school history in innings pitched (234.1) and in strikeouts (203). His 17 career wins make him tied for 14th best in school annals.
"He's reached a point where he's reached his dreams and goals," Beals said. "We're certainly excited for him and his family."
With his departure, Ness leaves a void in the Cardinals' starting pitching, but Beals said several pitchers from last season are capable of stepping up, including Ben Snyder, who was named to the Louisville Slugger All-America Freshman Team.
"It's a big hole," he said. "We anticipated this happening. We have guys on our team who can fill in."
Catcher Matt Singleton will return next season after being drafted by Oakland in the 33rd round. The Athletics picked him with the 1001st pick on day two of the draft.
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