Norfolk State first baseman Ernie Banks signed a contract with the Florida Marlins this past weekend and will report to the team’s rookie league complex in Jupiter, Fla., later this week.

Banks was selected by the Marlins in the 44th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June.

“I just want to thank everyone in the athletics department at Norfolk State, especially my coaches and (Athletics Director) Marty Miller, for making this possible,” Banks said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play professional baseball.”

“We wish Ernie nothing but the best as he takes the next step in his playing career,” NSU head coach Claudell Clark said. “He was a great player for us and I’m sure he’ll do well at the next level.”

Banks (6-4, 215) was the first Spartan baseball player drafted since Clark was picked in the 28th round of the 2001 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Overall, Banks was the 20th Spartan to be drafted by MLB.

Banks, who just completed his junior season, was a two-time All-MEAC first team selection (2006 and 2007) and a two-time MEAC All-Tournament Team pick (2005 and 2007). This past season, he batted .363 with 13 doubles, two triples, two homers and 34 RBI. He also drew a team-leading 34 walks, and ranked second in the MEAC with a .475 on-base percentage. He also tied for seventh in the conference in batting.

In three years as a Spartan, Banks batted .357 with 33 doubles, seven triples, four home runs and 80 RBI in 137 games, 135 of them starts.