Jan. 31, 2005

Los Angeles, Calif.- After a standout senior season with the Lions, LMU baseball's Clint McGill has signed with the Houston Astros organization. McGill, a 2004 All-WCC selection who spent one season with LMU after transferring from Texas Tech, becomes the sixth senior from the Class of 2004 to sign a professional contract.

McGill hit .349 in conference play, adding 19 RBI and four home runs in 2004. The senior second baseman was the only position player in the conference to be named the WCC/Rawlings Player of the Week twice last season, earning the honor on February 16 and May 3. Also a closer for the Lions, pitching for the first time in his collegiate career, McGill had a record of 1-0 with one save and an 1.93 ERA in WCC play. In December, he completed his degree in history at LMU.

"Here at LMU, we're all very pleased that he is now a part of the Astros organization," LMU Head Coach Frank Cruz said. "We're excited to see him have the chance to play professional baseball."

The Fresno, Calif., native becomes the sixth Lion to sign following the 2004 season. Will Quaglieri (New York Mets), Billy Lockin (Arizona Diamondbacks), Kevin Jenson (San Francisco Giants), Jonathan Higashi (Texas Rangers), and Brady Koch (Houston Astros) also began their professional careers this summer.

McGill will be assigned to a team in the Astros' organization following Spring Training.

On Sunday, Cruz presented McGill and the other six members of the Class of 2004 with the Matt Muller Lion Award during the Lions' Leadoff Brunch. The award is given annual to LMU players who wear the uniform the way it is intended to be worn and compete at a high level. Cruz applauded McGill and the Class of 2004 for their commitment and for leading the program back to where it should be.

The Lions open the 2005 season on Friday, February 11, when they host a three-game series against Cal.

-GO LIONS-