Bethune-Cookman free agent signs with Chicago Cubs

Ryan Durrence 

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Bethune-Cookman first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Durrence, who was not selected in the Major League Baseball Draft earlier this month, signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

"I'm really excited for this opportunity," he said. Durrence, a three-year starter at B-CU who leaves as one of the school's league leaders in doubles and home runs, headed to Arizona to check out the Cubs' spring training facility before going to Boise, Idaho.

Durrence will play in Boise with the Rookie League Hawks, who open their season today.

"I'm extremely happy for Ryan," said longtime B-CU coach Mervyl Melendez, who left the school Thursday to take over Alabama State's program. "He definitely deserves to play in the professional ranks. The job that he was able to do for our program was invaluable, and we're happy that he's making the next step. We wish him the best and know that he's going to succeed because he's a hard worker."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.