Nov. 17, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Muffet McGraw stands with Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, right, and her son Murphy McGraw, left, as she is honored before the game against the Hartford Hawks at the Purcell Pavilion. McGraw was named to the Womens Basketball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

According to multiple sources and outlets, Notre Dame will join the ACC in all sports except for football and hockey as soon as it can leave the Big East. This move will protect Notre Dame’s football independence for the time being and allow Notre Dame to continue to compete on a high level in Olympic Sports.

This move also fits academically with Notre Dame. Notre Dame joins institutions like Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest. These school all have the same academic prowess that Notre Dame has.

It is also a great move for Notre Dame basketball, lacrosse and women’s soccer. All of these sports compete at a high level. Notre Dame will now play better competition on a regular basis. This should give them access to better recruiting areas as opposed to the Big 12 or Big 10.

An official announcement has yet to come but with multiple outlets reporting, Notre Dame would need to respond soon. More details should be coming.

Jun 3, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a 3-run home run in the 1st inning against the Boston Red Sox at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays beat the Red Sox 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

He joins junior C Joe Hudson, senior RHP Will Hudgins  and senior LHP Steve Sabatino as players who have signed minor league deals from No tre Dame this year. The Irish have not had more players reach agreement with MLB clubs following a season since 2008.

Spano made 65 appearances in his career with 1-8 record. His ERA is just outside of 5.10 and he limited his opponents to a low .252 batting average in his career.

Coach Aoki had this to say about Spano’s deal.

“Joe, for a lot of reasons, is a true example of perseverance,” said second-year head coach Mik Aoki. “To come back from major arm surgery is a credit to his hard work and commitment to his rehab. Joe’s first few outings in the fall were rather difficult for him, but he emerged as a stopper for us out of the bullpen and was critical to our success this season, particularly against left-handed batters. It would have been really easy for Joe to feel sorry for himself or make excuses, but he stuck with the program, returned to form, and now is getting the opportunity he deserves.” -und.com

Certainly an exciting time for the Notre Dame Baseball program. Stay logged onto to Slap the Sign for further updates on the MLB Draft.

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Apr 14, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detailed view of a 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Series ring. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak/St. Louis Cardinals via US PRESSWIRE

He joined junior C Joe Hudson and senior RHP Will Hudgins; all whom are now professional players. This is the 2nd time ever Notre Dame has sent 3 players in 1 Draft.

Sabatino had a career 6-7 record with a 5.01 ERA. Sabatino collected 120 strikeouts in 140.0 career innings, good for a 7.71 per nine-inning average. He limited his opponents to a .269 career batting average.

“Being able to play professional baseball has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” said Sabatino. “Thanks to all the people who never stopped believing in me. I am so grateful for all their support. Notre Dame has pushed me to be the person I am today.” -und.com

Coming off of Tommy John surgery, Sabatino had a rough start to the season this year. He had a rough 9.22 ERA and issued 15 walks over 5 appearances.

However, he calmed down and finished strong. Sabatino recorded a 2.08 ERA with 23 strikeouts and only five walks in his last 22.0 innings of work, something Coach Aoki is proud of.

“Steve is another example of player that earned his draft selection,” said second-year head coach MikAoki. “He missed an entire season with Tommy John, but worked his tail off to be ready this season. Steve struggled early with his command this year, but kept at it and really helped us down the stretch this season.” -und.com

Certainly an exciting time for the Notre Dame Baseball program. Stay logged onto to Slap the Sign for further updates on the MLB Draft.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!