(Brockton, MA – February 3, 2004) The 2003 Northeast League Champion Brockton Rox announced the trade of All-Star Catcher Mel Rosario to the Atlantic City Surf, of the Atlantic League, for future considerations. "Mel (Rosario) has been an instrumental part of the success the Rox have enjoyed over the past two seasons," said Rox Owner Van Schley. "He is probably the best defensive player the Northeast League has ever seen and his experience calling games had a calming influence over the entire pitching staff. Rosario's clutch hitting and leadership ability will be missed, but this is a great opportunity for Mel to be closer to his family and play in a longer season (Atlantic League plays 126 games as opposed to the Northeast League's 92-game schedule)."
In his two seasons with Brockton, the 30-year old catcher compiled career numbers that rank in the franchise's top five for games played, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI, walks and stolen bases. Rosario was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the San Diego Padres in 1991. Rosario played in eight different major league organizations during his career including a big league stint with the Baltimore Orioles in 1997. He has over 3,000 minor league plate appearances, 325 extra base hits and 489 RBI in his professional career.
"Mel has had two great seasons with the Rox and this is a good step for him at this point in his career and we wish him the best," said Rox Manager Ed Nottle.
Rosario has been with the Rox since their inception, which leaves them with five players from their inaugural season (Mike Torres, Mike Marchesano, Joey Baker, Jake Daubert and Saul Bustos). Rosario has been anchoring the Rox defense from behind the plate for 149 of the Rox 178 games.
In November, the Rox signed Boston native and Northeast League All-Star Catcher Brian Jones, formerly of the Elmira Pioneers. Last year Jones was also selected as the "Player of the Month" in July. He set career highs in batting average (.306), hits (95), runs (50) and doubles (26) last season in Elmira.
The Brockton Rox play their home games in the "City of Champions" state-of-the-art baseball facility, Campanelli Stadium, adjacent to the Shaw's Center, a meeting and banquet facility. The club plays a 92-game schedule in the eight-team independent Northeast League.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian American League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
