Downers Grove, IL -

Kevin Dubler’s surreal season on the baseball field at Illinois State University has been followed by the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

The Downers Grove South graduate, a junior catcher for the Redbirds, learned Friday that he had been selected in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the hometown Chicago White Sox.

The news came after an incredible season in which Dubler hit .358 with 23 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 56 RBIs. A semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award which honors Division I baseball’s top catcher, Dubler was selected on the second day of the draft.

“It was a little nerve wracking when I was waiting for my name to be called,” Dubler said in an Illinois State press release. “I am very happy that the White Sox picked me. I have been watching them since I was a little kid, and it has always been a dream of mine to play for my hometown team.”

Dubler, who has excelled offensively and defensively throughout his career at Illinois State, even stole 15 bases in a 2008 season that included 20 multiple-hit and 16 multiple-RBI games.

“I think Kevin will do extremely well in professional baseball because of his attitude,” said Illinois State coach Jim Brownlee. “He works hard, and his best days are definitely ahead of him. It is a good spot to be drafted at, as well as a great organization to be drafted by. To be drafted by your hometown team is just icing on the cake.”

Dubler closed the regular season at Illinois State in top form, going 4-for-5 with two home runs and five RBIs in the Redbirds’ 12-8 loss to Indiana State on May 17.

“One of their scouts was at our final series of the year at Indiana State,” Brownlee said. “It’s very exciting for Kevin. I am honored to have coached him the past three seasons, and I know he will only get better.”

The Redbirds also had a player drafted and signed last year, as Glenbard West graduate Ryan Anetsberger (a 15th round pick) is now a third baseman for the Florida Marlins’ Class A affiliate in Greensboro, N.C.

Ironically, Dubler’s former Downers South teammate Ryan Curry is on that same Greensboro squad.