Jan. 12, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - Former Northern Illinois University baseball players Brian Toner and Brandon Hodge will begin their professional baseball careers in the Frontier League this spring. The 2006 graduates signed contracts with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League.

Toner, a native of Alsip, Ill., and Hodge, a native of Union Center, Wis., played together at Kishwaukee Community College, then transferred to NIU and will now continue as teammates with the Rascals.

"Brian Toner's signing is good for a lot of reasons," head coach Ed Mathey said. "With his talent and numbers I was surprised that he did not get a professional offer after our season ended in May. Not only does Brian have the skills and talent to play at the pro level, but he has exhibited the necessary toughness as well."

Toner was a first-team All-MAC selection last season after leading the Huskies with a .373 batting average, nine home runs and 41 RBI.

"Brandon Hodge received an opportunity to go out and do what he dreams of doing, playing professional baseball," Mathey said. "Hopefully he will be fully healthy and able to showcase what he can do when pitching at 100 percent."

Hodge pitched in seven games, with five starts, last season after coming off an injury-shortened 2005 campaign that saw him notch a pair of victories in his seven starts.

Toner and Hodge join Nick Hall, who signed last summer with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, as members of the Huskies' 2006 graduates who have moved into professional baseball. Under Mathey, 14 Huskies have signed pro contracts in the past four seasons.

"We are very happy for them and seeing them go to the same team together is a good thing," Mathey added.