June 26, 2007

University of Texas-Pan American senior Patrick Brooks (Vallejo, CA/Santa Rosa J.C.) signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs on Monday (June 11), which was announced by UTPA head baseball coach Willie Gawlik.

"I feel that he is going to do a great job with the Cubs' organization," said Gawlik. "He plays with a passion, and I know that his work ethic will give him an opportunity to be successful. He will make a contribution to the Cubs' organization because he can play all of the infield positions. It is great to see Pat get this opportunity."

Brooks finished the 2007 season on a high note as the UTPA senior led the squad with 36 RBI to go along with a .285 batting average and a .377 on-base percentage. The Broncs' third basemen recorded a team-high seven home runs on the 2007 campaign while collecting 57 hits in 55 games and plating 28 runs, which ranked him second on the squad.

The UTPA diamond standout concluded his junior campaign with a .299 batting average to go along with 60 hits and 36 RBI while adding a team-high six home runs. As a junior, Brooks posted hits in 37 of 52 games, including 20 of the team's final 21 games while collecting 19 multi-hit performances during the 2006 season.

Brooks was a two-year starter at third base for Santa Rosa Junior College where he helped the Bear Cubs capture the California State Championships during the 2005 season. He collected three hits and drove in six runs for Santa Rosa Junior College during the California State Championship Game and posted a .328 batting average with 32 RBI and 16 doubles during his sophomore campaign.

The UTPA slugger begins his professional career in the Chicago Cubs' rookie league in Mesa, AZ, as a member of the Mesa Cubs. The schedule for the Mesa Cubs began on June 22nd and will run until August 30th.

Brooks becomes the second UTPA player to sign a professional contract following the 2007 campaign as he joined Osiel Flores (Mission, TX/UT-Brownsville), who is currently a member of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers within the Cleveland Indians' organization.

UTPA Sports Information