May 23, 2006
IOWA CITY – University of Iowa closer Tim Gudex has been signed to a professional contract by the Chicago Cubs. As a five-year college player, Gudex was able to sign with any team and circumvent the MLB Draft if he did so before June 3.
The Appleton, WI, native was a two-time first team all-Big Ten closer with the Hawkeyes. As a junior, he became the first pitcher in Big Ten history to lead the league in wins (7), ERA (1.11) and saves (6) during conference play. This season, he was 4-2 with a 1.15 ERA and a Big Ten-best 10 saves. He struck out 47 in just 39 innings of work.
“We are thrilled that Tim will get this opportunity in professional baseball,” Iowa Head Coach Jack Dahm said. “The fact that Tim came here as a walk-on and left as a two-time all-Big Ten pick with a professional contract speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. We all are looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Cubs organization.”