SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The 2021 Augustana baseball team has added another professional baseball player to its already impressive resume. This time, it's the Vikings' national champion shortstop, Sam Baier. Baier signed a contract with the Kane County Cougars, a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball and an official Partner League of Major League Baseball, recently. 

"Sam belongs at the pro level," Augustana head baseball coach Tim Huber said. "He has all the tools with his speed, arm strength and physicality and will fit in very nicely. I like his ability at this next level to play shortstop, like he has done for us exclusively the past 5 years, as well as playing in the outfield, second base and third base." 

Baier becomes the 23rd player coached by Huber that has signed a professional contract, joining fellow college teammates Koby Bishop and Max Steffens. 

"Slammin' Sammy Baier" was the nickname that SportsCenter used for Baier on the night of April 2, 2021, after he hit seven home runs in a doubleheader against Bemidji State with four in game one and three in game two. Baier broke the Augustana single-game home run and total bases records in game one against the Beavers and wound up earning NSIC Player of the Week honors for his performance. 

While that series was a once in a lifetime achievement, the Augustana shortstop's career has been characterized by success and consistency. After earning NSIC Freshman of the Year honors in 2017, Baier exploded onto the scene in 2018, earning First-Team All-NSIC, NSIC Gold Gove, NSIC All-Tournament Team and NCBWA All-Region honors and helping lead the Vikings to their first ever baseball national championship. 

In 2019, Baier helped lead Augustana to an NCAA Super Regional appearance, before having the 2020 season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Baier returned to the Vikings for a fifth season and earned First-Team All-NSIC honors while guiding the Vikings to another regional appearance. 

In addition to the accolades, his career statistics at Augustana help complete the record book. He ranks first in games played (237), first in games started (235), fourth in runs scored (180), fourth in hits (260), fifth in doubles (51), sixth in homers (27), fourth in RBIs (188), fourth in total bases (404), fourth in walks (93), first in sacrifice flies (16) and third in stolen bases (87).