Allen Signed by Blue Jays
May 22, 2014 - Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release
(Florence, KY) - The Florence Freedom are happy to announce the Toronto Blue Jays purchased the contract of RHP Brad Allen on Thursday.
The Geneva, IL native started the 2014 season with the Diamondbacks organization in Single-A. He joined Florence after going 3-0 with a 4.64 ERA with South Bend of the Midwest League. Allen started the Freedom's home opener against the Washington Wild Things and went five innings, striking out seven batters. He got a no-decision in a game the Freedom eventually won by a score of 6-5.
"We're very happy the Blue Jays are giving Brad another opportunity," Freedom Manager Fran Riordan said. "He's a great pitcher and a better person. His presence on and off the field will be greatly missed."
After finishing up his senior season at Arkansas State University, Allen pitched in the Frontier League in 2011 with Rockford and in 2012 with Florence. He spent 2013 in Arizona's system and now heads to Toronto for his second go-around in affiliated baseball.
Allen becomes the 28th member of the Freedom in franchise history to sign a contract with a MLB organization. The Freedom have had success with former pitchers pitching for the Blue Jays. RHP Steve Delabar pitched for Florence in 2008 and became the first player in Frontier League history to make the MLB All-Star Game in 2013 when he represented Toronto at the Mid-Summer Classic.
For a full list of Freedom players signed to MLB organizations over the years, go to http://www.florencefreedom.com/affiliated.php.
To keep up with all the latest Florence Freedom news and to learn about exclusive deals and contests, make sure to like the team on Facebook and follow the team on Twitter.
The Florence Freedom are members of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball. The Frontier League is the oldest continuously operating independent professional league, entering its 22nd season in 2014. For more information about the Frontier League visit www.frontierleague.com.
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