Kaczmarski and Bashlor Make MLB Debuts with Mets
Published on June 26, 2018 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
COLUMBIA, SC - Kevin Kaczmarski and Tyler Bashlor made their major league debuts with the New York Mets this week and became the third and fourth former Fireflies to reach the show. Kaczmarski pinch hit in the fourth inning (grounded out) of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bashlor tossed two innings out of the bullpen on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"I am extremely proud of 'Kaz' and Tyler for what they've accomplished since they were here in Columbia during our inaugural season in 2016," said Fireflies team president John Katz. "As we head into the second half of the major league season and into the future, seeing a roster filled with former Fireflies playing in the big leagues will be a huge point of pride for our community and the organization."
Kaczmarski is the third former Firefly to make his major league debut. Prior to the call, the former Firefly posted a .363 batting average in 24 games this season with the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s. During the 2016 season in Columbia, the 26-year-old held a .268 batting average and led the team with seven triples - which is still a single-season franchise record.
Bashlor, who had been with Double-A Binghamton this season, was expected to receive a promotion to Triple-A but earned a much bigger one on Monday. Bashlor explained his conversation with Rumble Ponies Manager Luis Rojas to Mets MLB.com beat writer, Anthony DiComo.
"Luis was like, 'you're not going to Triple-A anymore,'" Bashlor reflected. "I was like, 'alright.' He said, 'you're going to Citi Field' and I went ballistic. So I got off the phone with him and then immediately called my dad, couldn't get a hold of him - he was cutting the grass - called like eight times. So, finally got a hold of him and then told the rest of my family."
Bashlor - the most recent former Firefly to appear in the big leagues - produced a stellar 2.63 ERA in 20 games with Binghamton before the call to New York. The 25-year-old pitched in 34 games with the Fireflies in 2016. He posted the second-most strikeouts (68) among Columbia relievers that year as well as the second-lowest ERA (2.50).
FROM COLUMBIA TO THE SHOW:
RHP Merandy Gonzalez (Miami Marlins) - April 19, 2018: 2 scoreless innings @ Milwaukee
LHP P.J. Conlon (New York Mets) - May 7, 2018: 3.2 innings, single, run scored @ Cincinnati
OF Kevin Kaczmarski (New York Mets) - June 24, 2018: Pinch-hit appearance vs. Los Angeles
RHP Tyler Bashlor (New York Mets) - June 25, 2018: 2 innings vs. Pittsburgh
South Atlantic League Stories from June 26, 2018
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- Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes: June 26 at Lexington (Game 73) - Columbia Fireflies
- RiverDogs' Double-Header Canceled in Asheville - Charleston RiverDogs
- Kaczmarski and Bashlor Make MLB Debuts with Mets - Columbia Fireflies
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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.
