HILLSBORO, Kan. - Tabor College utility infielder and relief pitcher Paul Bridenbaugh (Peoria, Ariz.) has signed a contract to continue his playing career with the Sioux City Explorers of the Independent Professional Baseball Federation.

Bridenbaugh is the second Bluejay this season to earn a professional contract along with fellow teammate Tyson Kendrick.

"I am really excited and blessed to get the opportunity to continue my playing career," said Bridenbaugh. "I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, friends, and family for all their support and help in getting me to where I am today."

This past season Bridenbaugh earned First Team All-KCAC honors, as both a utility player and relief pitcher. At the plate Bridenbaugh tied Kendrick during the regular season in batting average at .441, while finishing second on the team and in the KCAC for total hits with 67. He also finished third on the team in home runs with five, and was fourth on the team in RBI's with 38, ranking him 10th in the KCAC in both categories.

As a relief pitcher and the Bluejays closer, Bridenbaugh recorded a 4-1 record with four saves and a .377 ERA in 18 appearances this season. In 31 innings pitched, he allowed 13 earned runs on 27 hits with 10 strikeouts, while holding opposing batters to a .235 batting average. His four saves were also tied for first in the KCAC this season.

"Paul has made the most improvement of any player at Tabor, and is well deserving of the chance to play for Sioux Falls," said Head Baseball Coach Mark Standiford. "He is truly a double threat both on the mound and as a position player.

"To have two players get a chance to play professional baseball off of our team is truly special. We will all be following Paul closely this year, and I know he is the kind of player that will represent Tabor well both on and off the field."

"Paul's hard work and competitive spirit continue to pay off," said Vice-President for Athletics Rusty Allen. "The success of our baseball program is clear and now our players are beginning to be recognized by those outside our organization. We are excited for Paul and proud of his accomplishments. We are confident he will compete well and have a positive influence on all the people he will interact with."