Hudson named third-team All-American, forgoes senior season at Illinois

By Steve Contorno

Despite no longer being a part of the Illinois baseball team, Kyle Hudson is still receiving accolades for his efforts last season.

The Mattoon, Ill., native, who recently signed with the Baltimore Orioles, was named a third-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association on Monday. The selection was Illinois’ third in four years, and the center fielder was one of four Big Ten players to earn All-American honors. Hudson posted stellar numbers in his just his first full season with the baseball team, garnering the national spotlight by stealing 40 bases and batting .398 with a .498 on-base percentage. In previous seasons Hudson would miss time with the baseball team for Spring football practices where Hudson was a wide receiver.

Hudson was unable to be reached for comment as he is preparing to join one of Baltimore’s minor league affiliates. The Orioles selected Hudson in the fourth round of Major League Baseball’s First Year Player Draft and the junior decided to forgo his final season of eligibility at Illinois to instead join Baltimore’s farm system this summer.

Hudson also has told head football coach Ron Zook that he will not be rejoining the team in the fall, choosing to focus on his future in baseball instead.

Catcher Lars Davis was the last Illini to be named an All-American. The Canadian backstop was listed as an All-American by several organizations in 2007. Hudson was the only Big Ten outfielder selected by the ABCA.

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