2006: Did not see action

Prior to SIU: A 26-year-old freshman, who has spent the last eight years playing professional baseball...Played primarily in the Kansas City Royals system and spent part of one season (2004) with the big league club, where he hit .179 in 39 at bats...Was named AA Player-of-the-Year and MVP of the Royals' organization in 2003.

High School: Played quarterback at Cahokia H.S. and passed for more than 1,300 yards three-straight years...Named all-state his junior and sentior year and third-team all-American as senior when he threw for 19 touchdowns...Was offered a scholarship by numerous Big Ten and Big 12 schools to play football and signed with Minnesota.

Worth Knowing: Born March 13, 1980 in Centreville, Ill....Son of Letha and Earl Gettis...He and his wife, Latricia, have one son Byron Gettis Jr. (1)...Is writing a book about his minor league career, going back to school to play football and the role that Christianity plays in his life.