Ransom Selected by Cubs in Second Day of Major League Draft 6/4/03

Vanderbilt junior right-hander Robert Ransom has been selected in the 23rd round (673rd pick overall) by the Chicago Cubs in the second day of the 2003 Major League Draft, Wednesday, June 4.

“I never had a specific team that I hoped would draft me, but I’m happy it happened to be the Chicago Cubs,” Ransom said. “I’m good friends with (current Cubs starting pitcher) Mark Prior and they have a great organization. I definitely wouldn’t mind pitching at Wrigley Field one day.”

Ransom, a 6-3, 225-pound hurler from Atlanta, Ga., recorded his best season as a Commodore in 2003. He posted a 4-3 record and 4.08 ERA while registering career-high marks in innings pitched (92.2) and strikeouts (74). In the month of May, Ransom went 1-1 with two no decisions and a 0.93 ERA with 26 strikeouts and seven walks in his final 29 innings.

During his three seasons at Vanderbilt, Ransom has compiled an 8-8 overall record and 4.78 ERA. He has registered 137 strikeouts and 72 walks while allowing 203 hits and 117 runs (98 earned) in 184 and two-thirds innings pitched.

According to Ransom, the right-hander is scheduled to play summer baseball in the Cape Cod League before beginning contract negotiations with Chicago.