June 6, 2003

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern center fielder David Gresky (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Ignatius) was chosen in the 39th round (1,153rd overall) by the Chicago Cubs in the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. The MLB draft took place Wednesday and Thursday, June 4-5.

Gresky, who was also drafted in the 22nd round coming out of high school by the Florida Marlins, led the team in most offensive categories this season, and earned second-team All-Big Ten.

After hitting .253 in the first half of the season (24 games), the left-handed hitting junior went on a tear. Gresky hit safely in 34 of his 92 at bats (.370) after April 15, including six home runs and eight doubles. In those 26 games, the Ohio native scored 21 runs, drove in 27 and stole seven bases. In addition, he raised his overall average from .253 to .313. Gresky led the team with nine home runs and 43 RBI. He also hit 13 doubles, which put him in fifth place on NU's career doubles chart with 43.

Gresky's nine home runs this season were the most by a Wildcat since Joe Hietpas hit 11 in 1999.

As a junior, Gresky has the option of returning for his senior season at NU. Division I baseball players are not eligible for the draft until after their junior seasons.