ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Baseball) – Florida Tech graduate Ryan McChesney became the third Panther from the 2012 team to break into professional baseball, signing a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. He joins former teammates K.C. Clabough and Steven Schils, who were drafted by the Atlanta Braves last week.

“Ryan was a tremendous player for us for four years and accomplished a great deal,” head coach Greg Berkemeier said. “He is very deserving of this opportunity, and I am thrilled he can begin his professional career.”

A May graduate with a degree in civil engineering, McChesney played four years for the Panthers. He departs as a career .341 hitter with 225 hits, 62 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs and 161 RBIs in 191 games. In his final two years, he primarily played either catcher or first base. Before settling in, he went 4-0 in 2010 as a starting pitcher with a 1.38 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 26 innings.

Over the last three seasons, he has been named Daktronics All-America, all-region six times, Capital One Academic All-District First Team and All-Sunshine State Conference First Team twice.

“I’m just glad I’m getting the opportunity to play professional baseball, especially for a great organization like the Tampa Bay Rays,” McChesney said. “It’s always been my dream to get this chance. I’m going to work hard and make the best of my opportunity. I’d like to thank my family, coaches and friends for helping me throughout my career.”

McChesney will report to the Rays’ Gulf Coast League affiliate in Port Charlotte, Fla.