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Nashua Resident John Roper Named New Pride Pitching Coach

February 14, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
American Defenders of New Hampshire News Release


(NASHUA, NH, February, 14, 2008) Nashua Pride officials announced today that former major league pitcher, and Nashua resident, John Roper has been named the new pitching coach for the 2007 Can-Am League Champions. Roper, a key member of the Pride team that won the 2000 Atlantic League Championship, brings over 13 years of professional pitching experience to Nashua's coaching staff.

"I am grateful to be back with the franchise that has always believed in my ability, both on the field and within the Greater Nashua Community. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Stabile for trying to keep baseball in Nashua. The Pride not only fills a void in the community, but is a positive experience for the kids," said John Roper.

The Raeford, North Carolina native was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 1990 amateur draft. Roper shot through the Reds farm system and made his major league debut in 1993 going 2-5 with a 5.63 ERA in 16 games. The following year was Roper's best in the big leagues, going 6-2 with a 4.50 ERA in the strike-shortened season. Injuries derailed the righthander's career with the pitcher needing 3 separate surgeries from 1995 through 1998.

Trying to get his career back on track, Roper signed with the Pride prior to the 1999 season looking for another chance to make it to the big leagues. In 2000, he had his best year with the Pride going 14-5 with a 4.90 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 145 innings pitched for the Atlantic League Champions. In 2001 Roper worked out of the bullpen for the first time in his career. After his fifth season with the Pride, Roper retired from professional baseball in 2003.

The former big-leaguer has resided permanently in Nashua since 1999 and has been an integral part of the community from day one. Roper started the AAU Baseball team GID (Get it Done) and has launched the clothing line GID Apparel which implores children to get it done on and off of the field. In 2006 Roper helped launch Baseball World, Nashua's only indoor baseball/softball training facility.

The Nashua Pride Professional Baseball Club, entering its eleventh season, provides a fun, affordable, community-based and fan-friendly source of sports entertainment. The 2007 Can-Am League Champions will be participating in its third year of play in the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball.

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