University of Evansville right-handed pitcher Corey Davisson (Bakersfield, Calif./West H.S./Bakersfield College) has signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He becomes the 50th Purple Ace since 1984 to play professional baseball, including the 44th UE player to play affiliated professional baseball.

“I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to play pro ball,” said Davisson.  “All I have ever wanted is a chance to play at the next level, and now that I have it, I intend to make the most of my opportunity.

"I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way at the University of Evansville, especially my parents and my fiancee, Lexi.  They have always been there to support me along the way, and I can not thank them enough because I would not be where I am at today without them.  I also want to thank the coaching staff, especially Coach Carroll and Coach Reynolds, for everything that they have taught me along the way.  I have learned a lot and feel ready to tackle the next step in my baseball career now.”

Davisson was a mainstay in the UE bullpen over the last three years, after catching as a freshman at Bakersfield College in his home town of Bakersfield, California.  Davisson pitched in 82 games in his three seasons at Evansville to rank second all-time on UE’s career appearance chart.  He became the first Purple Aces’ pitcher to post back-to-back seasons of 30 or more appearances this season, as he appeared in a school-record-tying 33 games for UE while earning honorable mention all-Missouri Valley Conference status in his senior season. 

As a senior, Davisson not only tied UE’s single-season appearance record, but he also tied the Purple Aces’ single-season record for winning percentage, as he went a team-best 9-1 with a save and a 3.95 ERA.  In 32 relief appearances and one start, Davisson tossed 66.0 innings as a senior, yielding just 61 base hits, as he held the opposition to a .249 batting average against.  He finished the season ranked among the MVC’s leaders in earned run average (7th-3.95), opponents batting average (5th-.249), victories (3rd-nine) and appearances (2nd-33).

“It’s nice to see another former Purple Ace get the opportunity to play professional baseball, and I am extremely excited for Corey to have this opportunity,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “Corey has worked extremely hard over the last three years as a key member of our pitching staff, and he really stepped up for us this season to have an outstanding senior season on the mound.  All he has ever wanted is a chance to play at the next level, and now he is finally getting it, and I am anxious and excited to see how he does.”

Overall, Davisson finished his UE career with a 12-4 record and two saves, while posting a 5.46 ERA in 128.2 innings of work.  Davisson is expected to begin his professional career this week by being assigned to the Yakima (Washington) Bears, the short-season A-level affiliate of the Diamondbacks.  While with Yakima, Davisson will work with pitching coach Doug Drabek, the 1990 National League Cy Young Award Winner and 13-year Major League veteran.