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AtL Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

Craig Stem Returns to Southern Maryland

February 21, 2019 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs News Release


(Waldorf, Md.) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced the return of right handed pitcher Craig Stem for the 2019 season, his fourth in a Blue Crabs uniform.

Stem is among a handful of returners from the 2018 Blue Crabs pitching staff. When it comes to pitchers, Stem is about as versatile as they come. Over the course of the 2018 season, Stem did everything from serving as the closer, a long reliever, the set-up man, and eventually evolved into a staple in the starting rotation.

The 6-5 fire baller excelled in his new role, so much so that he stayed in the rotation for a total of 12 starts, the most in his seven year professional career. This new role led Stem to pitching nearly 40 innings more than he had in single season prior to 2018. Despite the new situation he hurled his way to a 7-8 record along with a 3.70 ERA, a best in his Atlantic League career.

The Tennessee native began his professional career when he was drafted in the 15th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He stayed in the Dodgers organization for four seasons, and was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2015. He made it as high as the Marlins AAA affiliate before his emergence in the Atlantic League with the New Britain Bees under manager Stan Cliburn, the current Blue Crabs manager.

"This will be my fourth season as a Blue Crab, I obviously love it in Waldorf since I keep coming back." said Stem. "Specifically this year I'm looking forward to playing under Stan Cliburn again. I can come into this season knowing that we are going to not only have a lot of fun and have a great atmosphere in the clubhouse, but he's going to bring in a lot of talent and we are going to show up to the stadium every day expecting to win."

The team opens the 2019 season on May 3rd at home against the Lancaster Barnstormers. To save your seat at the ballpark for the upcoming season and other team news, visit www.somdbluecrabs.com or call 301-638-9788.

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Atlantic League Stories from February 21, 2019


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