BOONE, N.C. ? The three Appalachian State University players selected in this month’s Major League Baseball Draft ? outfielders David Rubinstein and Jason Rook and pitcher Garrett Sherrill ? have all signed professional contracts with their respective teams and will forego their senior seasons at Appalachian.

Rubinstein, an 11th-round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been assigned to the State College (Pa.) Spikes of the New York-Penn League. Rook, a 12th-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles, will begin his professional career with the Bluefield (W. Va.) Orioles of the Appalachian League and Sherrill, also taken in the 12th round by the Milwaukee Brewers, will make his pro debut with the Helena (Mont.) Brewers of the Pioneer League. All three teams open their 2008 campaigns on Tuesday evening.

ASU’s three draftees marked the first time in school history that three Mountaineers were selected in MLB’s annual June draft. Rubinstein, Rook and Sherrill were also the first Apps drafted since 1996.

“While we’ll miss all three players both on and off the field, we’re happy for them as they begin their professional baseball careers,” ASU head coach Chris Pollard said. “They will all be terrific ambassadors for Appalachian baseball across the nation as they rise through the pro ranks.”