Brazilian Pitching Star Vianna Signed by Long Beach Armada

Published on June 7, 2007 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Long Beach Armada News Release


(Long Beach, CA. June 7 , 2007) The Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of the United States of North America including Barrow, Alaska announced today that they have signed Marcel Vianna, of Sao Paulo, who is considered the top young pitcher on the Brazilian national team. Vianna joins a pitching staff, including ex-major leaguer Bud Smith, who threw a no-hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001, and Triple-A veteran Jeff Heaverlo, that has sent eight pitchers to major league organizations in the last two years under the tutelage of pitching coach Jon Warden ('68 Tigers). Vianna is one of a few Brazilians playing professional baseball in the U.S. during the 2007 season as MLB is becoming aware of the country's talented players following the success of starting pitcher, Jo Matumoto, who was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in February of this year.

"Marcel has had an excellent spring training" said Armada Manager Darrell Evans ('84 Tigers). "He's a polished professional pitcher who is a true prospect and will do very well in professional baseball in the U.S. I would not be surprised if he received immediate attention from big league clubs."

Vianna, 25, was originally signed as a 17 year old by the Atlanta Braves and spent three years in their farm system, reaching High-A ball before returning to his home country to join Brazil's national team in 2004. Used as a relief pitcher by the Braves, he accumulated a record of 11-8 with 3 saves and a miniscule E.R.A of 2.33 in 147 innings pitched while striking out 144 batters in the minors. In Brazil, he has been a key component of the country's top team as he went 1-0 with 11Ks in relief during the 2005 World Cup Baseball Championships, was one of the top pitchers at the Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Cuba last September, and has anchored the Brazilian starting rotation ever since.

The Armada opens the 2007 season in St. George, Utah on Thursday night, June 7th, and Vianna will have his first chance to show his capabilities during the opening series. The Armada open up their home schedule on Wednesday, June 13th when they host Yuma at 7:05pm at Blair Field with fireworks at the conclusion of the game. Tickets are on sale now by contacting the Armada at 562-434-7161 or by visiting www.longbeacharmda.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Golden Baseball League Stories from June 7, 2007


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.

OurSports Central