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Rich "El Guapo" Garces Returns

April 28, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
American Defenders of New Hampshire News Release


(NASHUA, N.H., April 28, 2008) Nashua Pride Officials have announced that the team has re-signed pitcher Rich "El Guapo" Garces for the 2008 season.

"El Guapo" will return to Nashua after a successful 2007 campaign in which he accumulated a 6-4 record, with an ERA of 4.42 in 36 games pitched.

The Maraca, Venezuela, native, emerged as one of the top Can-Am League closers in 2007, recording 17 saves for the Pride, including the final three outs of the Can-Am League Championship Series that earned the Nashua Pride the Can-Am League Championship Trophy.

"Having Rich back is so exciting for us, especially the fans and the sponsors," said Pride General Manager Chris Hall. "He was on the mound for us when we won the Championship and is a guy that we wanted on the mound this season. He is going to be a key player for us and we couldn't be happier to bring him back to Nashua."

He leaves the Mexican Baseball League where he had been pitching for Potros de Tijuana, recording three saves, and a 2.45 ERA in 18.1 innings pitched.

Garces, who for the second consecutive season and fourth time in his career, was named the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (VPBL) Reliever of the Year over the offseason. He led the league with 19 saves for the Águilas del Zulia (Maracaibo), giving up just 24 hits in 25.2 innings and has now accumulated a VPBL record 124 career saves.

"I am happy to be back with Nashua," said Garces. "I want to compete and win another championship and the Pride is the team that I want to do it with."

The 6-foot, 250-pound, right-hander, is a ten year Major League veteran who became one of the most popular relievers in Boston Red Sox history in 1999 after going 5-1 with 33 SO, a 1.55 ERA, two saves, and a victory against the Cleveland Indians in the American League Division Series. He followed up that performance with two more outstanding seasons with Boston in 2000 and 2001, before leaving the Red Sox in 2005.

The Nashua Pride Professional Baseball Club, entering its 11th season, provides a fun, affordable, community-based and fan-friendly source of sports entertainment. The 2007 Can-Am League Champions will be participating in its third year of play in the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball.

For tickets or more information call 603-883-BALL (2255), or visit www.nashuapride.com.

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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.

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