HILLSBORO, Kan. - History was made Wednesday afternoon as Tabor College senior catcher Tyson Kendrick (Arkansas City, Kan.) was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 49^th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.

Kendrick, who is the first Bluejay baseball player to be drafted in school history, was one of 39 NAIA players, and two KCAC players to be taken in this year's draft.

"This is an opportunity that every kid growing up dreams about" said Kendrick. "I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to play professional baseball. Coach Standiford has been a great coach who has helped me become the player I am today, and I would like to thank him, my teammates, and my family and friends for all their support they have given me throughout my career."

Kendrick who was named Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Baseball Player of the Year, as well as Tabor College Male Athlete of the Year recorded one of the most impressive single season performances in school history.

"There is not a more deserving player than Tyson," said Head Baseball Coach Mark Standiford. "His work ethic, leadership qualities, and athletic ability will allow him to succeed at the next level. He is the first player at Tabor to be drafted and hopefully the first of many."

This past season Kendrick, a First Team All-KCAC performer, led the KCAC and the Bluejays in batting average at .441, on base percentage at .521, hits with 71, and doubles with 19. He also led the Bluejays in slugging percentage at .634, ranking him third in the KCAC, and RBI's with 52, ranking him second in the KCAC.

"Tyson was our leader both on and off the field," said Standiford. "The numbers he put up this year and the honors that he has received have never been done here at Tabor. We will all be following Tyson closely this year. He is the kind of player who will represent Tabor well both on and off the field."

"We could not be more excited for Tyson," said Vice-President for Athletics Rusty Allen. "In many ways, Tyson's accomplishments mirror a baseball program that has become something we are very proud of. We will follow Tyson closely and believe that not only will Tyson be successful on the field, but that God will be using him to have a positive influence on all whom he comes into contact with."

Kendrick will leave this week for Orlando, Fla. where he will take part in a rookie training camp before being sent to Short Season A, or Rookie Ball.