A trio of recently drafted Redbirds made their professional debuts in the past weeks and continue to make Illinois State proud.
Outfielder John Rave, who heard his name called in the fifth round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Kansas City Royals, burst onto the scene with Rookie Advanced Affiliate Burlington Royals when he went 4-for-5 at the plate in his first game on June 18. Rave also added a RBI and three runs scored.
Joe Aeilts is also off to a strong start, batting .355/.459/.355 in 31 at-bats with the Class A Short Season Boise Hawks (Colorado Rockies).