New York Mets Purchase Smoker from Aviators
April 2, 2015 - Frontier League (FL)
Rockford Aviators News Release
MKE Sports & Entertainment is proud to announce that the contract of Rockford Aviators left-handed pitcher, Josh Smoker, has been purchased by the New York Mets.
Smoker was acquired by the Aviators with the second overall pick in the Frontier League Draft last season. He was released by the Washington Nationals organization, who drafted him thirty-first overall in 2007, after an injury forced him to the sidelines in 2013.
"I was really hoping this opportunity would come for Josh," said Aviators Manager, James Frisbie. "He has been working really hard to not only get back his health, but his confidence as well and I'm happy he's getting the chance to get back into affiliated ball."
The southpaw's fastball consistently hit in the mid-90s as he appeared in 28 games for the Aviators last season. He totaled a 1-0 record with a 4.03 ERA as a late reliever in the bullpen.
Around the Frontier League, over 40 players have been purchased from 2014 rosters alone. The Aviators are among the top when it comes to the number of players getting an opportunity to continue their career at a higher level and Frisbie believes that speaks volumes about the organization.
"I feel as an organization, we are doing what's right for our kids," said Frisbie. "My number one priority is to get these guys to the next level and hopefully, someday to the Majors. To have six guys from one season get picked up, that's incredible."
As Spring Training concludes for Major League teams, Smoker will likely be assigned to a Class-A affiliate of the Mets to begin the 2015 season. He joins nine other former Aviators who will be looking to break camp with their respective teams.
The Aviators open their 2015 campaign on the road against the Gateway Grizzlies on Friday, May 15 at 7:05 p.m. Opening Day at Aviators Stadium will be Tuesday, May 19 at 6:35 p.m. as the Aviators host the Traverse City Beach Bums.
Season, Half-Season, Weekend, Group, and special 7-Game ticket packages are on sale now at RockfordAviators.com.
Single-game tickets will go on-sale online Wednesday, April 15th.
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Frontier League Stories from April 2, 2015
- Otters Re-sign Del Valle and Nowak to Contract Extensions - Evansville Otters
- Barrett and Oliver Come Back for 2015 - Gateway Grizzlies
- Wild Things Individual Game Tickets on Sale Monday, April 6 at 9:00 - Washington Wild Things
- Individual Tickets for the Wild Things and Rebellion Go on Sale - Washington Wild Things
- New York Mets Purchase Smoker from Aviators - Rockford Aviators
- Former San Diego Padres Prospect Lee Orr Inks Contract with Washington - Washington Wild Things
- Slammers Announce 2015 Promotional Calendar - Joliet Slammers
- Boomers All-Star Luncheon to Feature Blackhawks President & CEO - Schaumburg Boomers
- Beach Bums Return Two More Arms - Traverse City Beach Bums
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.
