June 8, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina catcher/infielder Justin Webb was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 23rd round of the 2005 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Wednesday.

Webb, who was chosen with the 696th overall selection, played catcher for most of the 2005 season but also saw time at first base, third base and in the outfield. While at Carolina, he played every position except pitcher and center field.

Named the Tar Heels' most improved player, Webb batted .280 with career-best totals of nine home runs and 41 RBI this past season. Entering 2005, Webb had just two career homers and 32 career RBI. He also added eight doubles and one triple, while posting a .453 slugging percentage. In ACC play, Webb tallied six home runs and 31 RBI. He was also outstanding defensively, recording a .979 fielding percentage in a team-high 515 chances.

Webb was the second Tar Heel drafted, as junior outfielder Mike Daniel was selected by the Washington Nationals in the seventh round Tuesday.