Former Surry pitcher Rudy Brown has signed a free agent baseball contract with the Kansas City Royals. Brown pitched for the Knights in 2007 and 2008 before completing his final two seasons at UNC-Pembroke.

“We are extremely excited for Rudy,” stated Surry athletic director and former baseball coach, Mark Tucker. “Rudy came to Surry as a kid that was really not heavily recruited. He made great strides throughout his college career, and it’s just great to see him get an opportunity to play professional baseball.”

Brown, a 6’ 5” lefthander from South Rowan High School helped lead the Knights to a 39-16 record in 2007 and third place finish in Region X. Brown pitched a complete game win in the Region X Tournament opener against USC-Salkehatchie. In the 8-2 win, Brown allowed only four hits while striking out ten and walking two.

“At times, Rudy could be dominating,” stated Tucker. “We all saw flashes from him, and now it looks like he’s gotten more consistent.”

In 2008, Brown helped lead Surry to a 36-22 record. After transferring to UNC-Pembroke, Brown posted solid numbers for the Braves fanning 43 batters in 33 innings as a junior, while notching 53 strikeouts in 41 innings as a senior. Brown finished his senior campaign with a 2.85 earned run average and 4-3 record.

"I've worked hard to find my slider. My fastball is usually 88-90 mph and 91 on my good days," Brown said. "I'm not afraid to go after guys and pound them inside with the fastball.”

Brown will begin his professional career with the Royals at their rookie level team in the Arizona League.

“This is a dream come true,” said Brown. “Now I've got my foot in the door, and I look at it as the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm extremely thankful to Surry and the coaching staff for giving me a chance to play college baseball. I had a great experience and learned a tremendous amount.”

Brown joins his former roommate at Surry, Aaron King of the San Francisco Giants along with Hamilton Bennett, New York Mets; Cory Harrilchak, Atlanta Braves; Cole McCurry, Baltimore Orioles; and Josh Whitlock, Chicago Cubs all former Surry players currently active in professional baseball.