University at Albany catcher Ryan Gugel became the third Great Danes player in as many seasons to sign a professional contract when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, June 12. 

Gugel reported to Clearwater, Fla., to train with the organization's rookie league team, the Gulf Coast Phillies. 

Gugel recentley completed his second season with UAlbany, finished with a .303 batting average and a team-high nine home runs. 

"Ryan is an extremely hard working student-athlete," said UAlbany baseball coach Jon Mueller. "This is a great opportunity for Ryan and his family."

The Great Danes have had six players selected in the MLB Draft, while Gugel is the latest in a long line of UAlbany athletes who have signed free agent professional contracts.