Cape Girardeau, Mo. (June 12, 2002) - Southeast Missouri State center fielder Vern Hatton has signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers today. Hatton, who was not drafted last week, has signed and will report to the Vero Beach Dodgers to play with the team's class A affiliate in the Florida State League.

Hatton was contacted last night by Dodgers' scout Mitch Webster, as he was throughout the season, and both sides agreed to terms today.

Hatton was a first team All-OVC selection this year in the outfield and was an All-OVC Tournament selection, as well. He was the team leader in eight different offensive categories including average, runs scored (58), hits (82), triples (9), RBI's (58), total bases (144), slugging (.649), and hit by pitch (10). The nine triples established a new school record and pushed his two-year total to 13, tying the career mark at Southeast. Hatton finished the season sixth in the nation in triples. He had the third highest amount of at bats in a season with 222, and tied the school record for games played in a season with 57.

In other news, senior pitcher Brandon Smith, who was drafted in the 18th round by the Boston Red Sox, has signed with the club and will report to Lowell, Mass. and the Red Sox' Rookie League team, the Lowell Spinners. The Spinners will begin their season on June 18. The team will play 78 games in 79 days.

Hatton will be thrown into the middle of the season with the Vero Beach Dodgers as the team has already played 62 games with a 33-29 record and are closing in on the All-Star break.

This brings the total to three players either being drafted or signing professional contracts this season for the Indians.