STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State outfielder Brad Corley signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, school officials announced.<br>
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Corley was taken by the Pirates last week in the second round of the baseball draft. He signed his contract in Pittsburgh the day before he is expected to report to Single-A Williamsport to begin play with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League.<br>
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Corley was an early selection despite a disappointing junior season in which he hit .316 with five home runs and 40 RBIs. As a sophomore, he hit .380 and was tied for second in the Southeastern Conference with 19 homers.<br>
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The native of Louisville, Ky., was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 16th round of the 2002 draft but opted to play at Mississippi State.<br>
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The short-season New York-Penn League begins play Tuesday.<br>
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(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
