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Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Pitcher Chasing The Olympic Dream

February 18, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Brockton, MA – February 18, 2004) The Brockton Rox announced today that they have placed right-handed pitcher Mike Marchesano on the inactive list. Marchesano has decided to return to Italy to play baseball professionally in preparation for the Athens Olympic Games this summer with an open invitation to rejoin the Rox after the conclusion of the Summer Games.

"Mike (Marchesano) has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Italy in the Olympics," said Rox Owner Van Schley. "We have extended an invitation for him to join the Rox after the Olympics are over for the final games of the season and any potential playoff games."

Mike Marchesano's 2-0 record in the postseason led the Rox. He holds franchise records for strikeouts (178), innings pitched (227), complete games (7) and shutouts (3). While wearing a Rox uniform, opposing hitters batted .259 against Marchesano in 37 career starts.

"He (Marchesano) has been a workhorse for me here in Brockton and when he played for me in Sioux City (2000 season)," said Rox Manager Ed Nottle. "(Last season) without the combination of Scott Martin and Mike Marchesano in our rotation during the postseason, there would have been no championship rings coming our way. I am very proud of Mike, this opportunity gives him the chance to fulfill a dream of being an Olympic Athlete."

When asked how Nottle planned on replacing Marchesano he said, "Two years ago we needed to fill twenty-two spots on the roster and now we have already brought home a championship. We have a lot of faith in our scouting system, (Owner) Van Schley and (Director of Player Personnel) Barry Moss are already compiling names of players to bring to Brockton."

The Brockton Rox play their home games in the "City of Champions" state-of-the-art baseball facility, Campanelli Stadium, adjacent to the Shaw's Center, a meeting and banquet facility. The club plays a 92-game schedule in the eight-team independent Northeast League.

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