Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

University of Kentucky shortstop Chris Wade, an 11th-round pick in last month’s Major League Baseball draft, announced Monday that he has signed with the Florida Marlins.

Wade, out of Lexington Christian Academy, is the third Wildcat in the 2009 draft group to sign. LHP Chris Rusin, a fourth-round selection, signed with the Chicago Cubs. RHP Clint Tilford, a 31st-round pick, signed with the Colorado Rockies.

CHRIS WADE

The 6-foot, 160-pounder is the first UK shortstop to earn first- or second-team all-SEC recognition since Dickie Parsons in 1961, and one of only four such Wildcat shortstops in the program’s 105-year history.

After redshirting his freshman year, Wade opened the 2008 season as the starting shortstop. He started all 63 games, batting .296 (67-for-226) with five homers and 51 RBI. He also led the SEC with 24 doubles and was named to the SEC’s all-freshman team.

Wade started 50 games last season, missing four because of a hamstring injury. He hit .313 (56-for-179) with six homers and 42 RBI. He also had 10 doubles, a triple and stole 14 bases in 17 attempts. He totaled 14 multi-hit games, nine multi-RBI games and finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak. He also had a 13-game streak as a freshman.

His career totals with the Wildcats include a .304 average (123-for-405), 11 homers, 93 RBI, 77 runs, 34 doubles and 20 stolen bases in 25 attempts. Perhaps more noteworthy is his defensive prowess. His career fielding percentage of .951 includes a .962 effort as a sophomore.

Wade’s season highlights include a 4-for-5, five-RBI game in his final home game, against Morehead State. He also belted a grand slam homer to give the Wildcats a walkoff victory and series sweep of Indiana State, and hit an 11th-inning homer to knock off New Orleans.

A tip of the cap to Brent Ingram of UK media relations for the details.

James Paxton

The 2009 Major League Baseball Draft selections include four Kentucky Wildcats, the fourth consecutive season in with four or more Cats were drafted.

In addition, seven of UK’s recruits for the 2010 season were taken in the draft.

Over the last four drafts, 22 Wildcats have been selected, including seven who went in the fifth round or better.

Chris Rusin, Cubs fourth-rounder

The Toronto Blue Jays picked Paxton in Tuesday’s supplemental first round, 37th overall.

The Chicago Cubs took Rusin in Wednesday’s fourth round, 140th overall.

Chris Wade

Shortstop Chris Wade, a third-year sophomore shortstop out of Lexington Christian Academy, was picked by the Florida Marlins in 11th round.

Clint Tilford

The Colorado Rockies selected junior right-hander Clint Tilford in the 31st round.

UK signees who were selected:

* RHP Steven Inch (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), sixth round, Phillies;

* RHP Jordan Cooper (Shelbyville, Tenn.), 17th round, Pirates;

* RHP Keith Butler (Morgantown/Butler County), 24th round, Cardinals;

* LHP Taylor Rogers (Littleton, Colo.), 37th round, Orioles;

* RHP Sam Kidd (Hartford/Ohio County), 39th round, Phillies;

* C Luke Maile (Crestview Hills/Covington Catholic), 43rd round, Red Sox;

* CF Brian Adams (Cumming, Ga.), 45th round, Reds.

Adams is a UK football signee, projected as a receiver after having played primarily at quarterback in high school. He is considering playing both football and baseball for UK.