FLORENCE, S.C. – Former Francis Marion University right-handed closer Brandon Forshee signed a contract on Friday with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent Northern League.

He is the ninth former Patriot to currently occupy a roster spot with a professional baseball organization.

The Goldeyes are members of the eight-team Northern League, a circuit that was resurrected in 1993.  Winnipeg, currently 25-25 and in fourth place, travels to Fargo, N.D., tonight to meet the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in the first of a three-game series.

 Forshee, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., led Francis Marion in appearances (27) this past season, while topping the PBC in saves and ranking fifth nationally. He posted a 3-0 mark with a 2.88 earned run average and was 13-for-15 in save opportunities, while allowing only 27 hits in 34.1 innings and a .220 opponents’ batting average against. His save total equaled the FMU team single-season record. He struck out 28 batters and walked only eight. His 17 career saves ranks second in team history.

Forshee was second-team selection to both the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-Southeast Region squad and the Daktronics All-Southeast Region Team.

He was also a second-team NCBWA All-Region pick in 2009 when he compiled a 5-2 record with four saves and a 2.08 ERA.

Forshee helped Francis Marion to a 40-14 record in 2010 and a second straight appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. The 40 victories is the second-highest win total in team history, and the Patriots ended the season ranked 10th in the nation.

#3/7-16-10