Notables

Cornell rising senior Chris Handke was selected Thursday by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 41st round of the Major League Baseball draft, even though he's had far more success as a center for the Rams than a pitcher.

Handke is 6-11, 235, and was taken No. 1,237 overall. Although the right-hander pitched in just six games this season and compiled a 15.19 ERA, the Dodgers saw something they liked.

"I had talked with the Dodgers before the draft," Handke said. "I thought there was a decent chance they would take me, but you never know how things will work out. ... I checked online after lunch and that's when I found out. The Dodgers called (Thursday) night around 10. It's definitely exciting."

Handke, one of 19 Division III baseball players drafted, drew attention from scouts last month at the Perfect Game USA showcase event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his fastball topped out at 93 miles per hour. Handke said he started to get phone calls two or three days after the showcase.

In three seasons at Cornell, Handke has made 17 appearances on the mound, including two starts. He has a career 10.12 ERA with 25 walks and 11 strikeouts in 21.1 innings.

Handke is better known on the basketball court. A second team all-IIAC center, Handke helped lead the 2008-09 Rams to the conference tournament title and a berth in the Division III NCAA Tournament. He averaged 9.8 points and 6.3 rebounds and set a single-season school record with 45 blocks.

"I enjoy both sports," Handke said. "I've always had people tell me that because of my height and I can throw the ball hard at times that I had a lot of upside and potential in baseball. It's something I'm obviously interested in doing."

Handke said he has until the middle of August to negotiate a contract with the Dodgers, but he plans to return to Cornell for his senior year.

"I told the Dodgers that I want to finish my degree at Cornell and complete my basketball career." said Handke, who carries a 3.9 GPA with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology.