CCSU Baseball Alumni Update
The Blue Devils have had six players play professionally during the 2016 season.
Six former standouts from the Central Connecticut baseball team played in the professional ranks during the 2016 season. Former Blue Devils, J.P. Sportman and Nick Neumann, helped their teams win championships, while Evan Scribner is pitching for the Seattle Mariners in their postseason chase.
Here is an update on former CCSU standouts in the professional ranks:
Evan Scribner (Seattle Mariners) - Scribner started the season on the disabled list, but since being activated on September 1 and joining the Mariners' bullpen he has had an immediate impact. Scribner has thrown in six games in relief for a total of 7.1 innings. He has allowed just three hits and posted a 7-2 strikeouts-walk ratio, while not allowing a run. He has helped the Mariners remain in the hunt for a postseason berth as they are currently just three games out of a wild card spot as of Sept. 21.
J.P. Sportman (Midland RockHounds - Oakland A's Class AA) - Sportman helped the RockHounds become the first team in 91 years to win three straight Texas League championships. He appeared in 120 games and batted .267 with five homeruns, 59 runs batted in and 63 runs scored. He also stole 18 bases. Sportman hit a team-high five triples and was also among the team leaders with 29 doubles and 129 total hits.
Nick Neumann (Bradenton Marauders - Pittsburgh Pirates Class A-Advanced) - Neumann helped the Marauders defeat the Tampa Yankees and win the Florida State League championship. Neumann had a strong season pitching out of the bullpen. He appeared in 29 games, throwing 42.1 innings. He went 1-0 with a 2.98 earned run average with six saves and a 33 strikeouts against just nine walks.
Connor Fitzsimons (AZL Angels - LA Angels of Anaheim Rookie) - Fitzsimons played in 11 games after signing with the Angels' organization. He collected three hits, scored a run and drove in another. Defensively, he caught three runners stealing and posted a .962 fielding percentage.
Casey Brown (Normal CornBelters - Frontier League) - Brown threw in 16 games after joining the CornBelters. In 21.0 innings of work, he allowed just nine runs for a 3.85 earned run average. He allowed just 24 hits, while piling up 18 strikeouts with a 1-0 record and one save.
Matt Martinez (Joplin Blasters - American Association) - After joining the Blasters, Martinez played in 14 games. He had a homerun, a triple and drove in a pair of runs, while scoring four more.
The CCSU baseball program will hold its annual Alumni Game on October 15. First pitch is slated for 10:00 a.m. Please contact coach Hickey or coach Hall with any questions or for more information.
