Former University of Arkansas star Brett Eibner is among the 27 players on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals preliminary roster.
Eibner was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the second round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
His three-year career at Arkansas had many highlights. He was named to Baseball America’s Freshman All-American team in 2008. In 2009 he helped the Razorbacks reach the College World Series and hit one of the most memorable home runs in program history with his game-tying two-run shot in the top of the ninth against No. 6 Virginia. In his junior season, 2010, he batted .333 with 22 home runs.
“I think it’s going to be a great homecoming and I’m real excited,” said Eibner. “I hope to have a warm welcome from the fans there. I miss playing there and I can’t wait to do it.”
Eibner spent the 2011 season with the Kane County Cougars, the Royals Single-A affiliate. he spent the 2012 season with the Royals Single-A Advanced team, the Wilmington Blue Rockets.
The Naturals will open the 2013 All-Star Season on Thursday against the Midland RockHounds at 6 p.m.