NEW CASTLE, DE -- Wilmington University is pleased to announce that baseball standout Joe Harris (Daniel Boone HS/Douglassville, PA) has signed a professional contract to play with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Independent Pro Baseball.

A National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America (NCBWA) and NCAA All-American selection, Harris, a senior pitcher, was named Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Pitcher of the year in 2010 and 2011.  He also was a two-time All-East Region selection, and a three-time All-CACC award winner. 

Harris went 8-3 with a 1.54 earned run average.  He led the CACC in strikeouts (98), while opponents hit just .188 off of him.  He is the first Wildcat to make All-American in two different seasons, earning the honors in both his junior and senior seasons.

In his three-year career at Wilmington, Harris went 19-11 with a 2.30 ERA, and amassed 283 strikeouts and a combined six shutouts. 

"I am very excited to start my professional playing career with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.  I want to thank everyone at Wilmington University, especially my coaches and teammates, for all of their support and encouragement during my collegiate career", stated Tarpeh.  "I enjoyed my three years as a Wildcat, and I am thrilled to begin this new journey in my life."

The RedHawks compete in the Northern League of the American Association, where they have claimed  the league championship five times, including the last two (2009, 2010).  Harris joins a team that is currently 21-15 and sits in second place in the Northern Division.  Their regular season runs until the end of August, and the RedHawks' division boasts three other opponents: the Saint Paul Saints, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants. 

"Having Joe sign a professional contract is a huge accomplishment for our program and for the University as well", stated head coach Brian August.    "He is an example of how hard work can pay off.  I am extremely happy for Joe and wish him the best of luck as he pursues his dream of playing at a high level professionally."