University of Tennessee Athletics
Iorg and King Sign With Houston Astros
June 21, 2005 | Baseball
June 21, 2005
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros announced Tuesday that the club has agreed to terms with 10 of its selections in the 2005 Major League First-Year Player Draft. Included among the signees were former Tennessee standouts Eli Iorg and Eric King. The announcement was made by Houston's Senior Director of Baseball Operations Paul Ricciarini.
Chosen in the sandwich round between the first and second rounds, Iorg -- the son of former Major Leaguer Garth Iorg and nephew of former big leaguer Dane Iorg -- was scheduled to take batting practice with the Astros prior to Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park.
King, who started all 67 games at shortstop for the Vols in 2005, was picked by Houston in the 13th round of the draft earlier this month.
Both players hit better than .300 in 2005 and were key ingredients to the Vols' successful season, which was highlighted by the school's fourth all-time berth in the NCAA College World Series.
 Former Vols Todd Helton, Chris Burke, Eli Iorg and Phil Garner take time for a picture prior to batting practice. (Courtesy Houston Astros) |
 Iorg pictured with Astros Senior Director of Player Personnel Paul Ricciarini during an in-game jersey presentation. (Courtesy Houston Astros) |
 Iorg takes a cut at batting practice. (Courtesy Houston Astros) |
 Iorg waits on deck. (Courtesy Houston Astros) |
