Aug. 9, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Former UCF pitcher Caleb Graham had a very busy beginning to the month of August. After completing his senior year with the Knights in the spring, the Lutz, Fla., native agreed to a contract with an independent team Aug. 1 before witnessing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim officially sign him to a free-agent deal on Aug. 7. Graham has been assigned to the Angels' rookie-league affiliate the Orem Owlz in Utah.
The addition of Graham marks the third UCF player in the last two years the Angels have signed, as Dwayne Bailey (2008, 21st round pick) and Tyson Auer (2008, free agent) each opened their careers with the Owlz as well. Both are now with the Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Graham made his professional baseball debut with the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti of the Frontier League Aug. 3 and dazzled in 5.0 innings of work against the Washington Wild Things. The righty surrendered just three hits and one run while walking only one and striking out eight for the victory.
That came as no surprise after what Graham accomplished towards the end of the 2009 campaign with the Black and Gold. He posted a 3.86 ERA and a 3-1 record from April 24 through the postseason, lasting at least 6.0 innings in his final five starts. His best game came in a win at No. 2 Rice, keeping the Owls scoreless through 6.1 innings en route to the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week award.
The Frontier League has now seen three Knights from the 2009 roster suit up this summer. Pitcher Kyle Sweat saw time in one game for the Sliders before being placed on the 60-Day Injured Reserve List, and catcher/outfielder Brandon Romans has played in 14 games for the Rockford RiverHawks.
Meanwhile, pitcher Jamie Douglas (2003-04) just signed with the Florence Freedom on Aug. 8.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.