Former MLB Draftees Sign with Westerners
April 26, 2014 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Danbury Westerners News Release
Danbury, CT- April 26, 2014: The Danbury Westerners, the longest tenured team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, are proud to announce the signing of three hitters, all of whom have been previously drafted by MLB teams: Carter Austin, Emmanuel "Manny" Cruz and Vimael Machin.
Carter Austin (Endicott, NY) is a freshman first baseman for the Bucknell University Bison. A 28th round draft pick out of Maine-Endwell High School for the Cincinnati Reds, Austin was a four-year letter-winner in baseball and two-time Under Armour Preseason All-American. In limited action this season Austin has three hits and two runs scored.
Emmanuel "Manny" Cruz (Waterbury, CT) is a freshman shortstop for the Southern New Hampshire University Penmen. A 39th round draft pick out of Wolcott High School for the Cincinnati Reds, Cruz hit .657 with 18 RBI in his senior season. Cruz has had a good start in his initial season with the Penmen; through April 25th Cruz is hitting .312 and was second on the team with 50 hits and 35 runs scored, and has stolen 17 bases in 19 attempts.
Vimael Machin (San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico) is a junior infielder for the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams. A 29th round pick out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy for the San Diego Padres, Machin started his NCAA career on the right foot by being named to the Colonial Athletic Association Rookie Team in 2012. He had a solid but injury shortened 2013 season for the Rams. Machin is currently enjoying a productive campaign for the Rams this year, starting all 39 games and hitting .323, with 42 RBI and 42 hits as of April 25th.
Paul Schaffer, President of the Danbury Westerns, commented, "It is a strong testimonial to the Westerners' program that we are able to secure the talents of these three former MLB draftees for the 2014 season. I look forward to watching Carter, Manny and Vimael showcase their skills in Danbury this summer."
In addition, the 20th annual Danbury Westerners Celebrity Breakfast will be held at the Matrix on June 6th. Keynote speaker is former New York Yankee All Star catcher Rick Cerone. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Tables of 10 for this event are $300, and can be secured online at www.danburywesterners.com or by mail to PO Box 3828, Danbury CT 06813. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; for additional information please contact Paul Schaffer at 203-241-4655.
The Danbury Westerners are also pleased to announce the return of their summer baseball camps program. Sessions will be held on July 7-10, July 14-17 and July 21-24. Managed by 21st Century Sports, the Danbury Westerners baseball camps offer an affordable and unique program, as these camps are led by the ballplayers themselves. To enroll please visit www.21csonline.com; early registration discounts are available for a limited time.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from April 26, 2014
- Former MLB Draftees Sign with Westerners - Danbury Westerners
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