'Sharks Sign Six Including Rutgers Alum Jason Bergmann
April 16, 2012 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
Camden, NJ - The Riversharks have inked local Rutgers alumni and former Washington Nationals pitcher Jason Bergmann. Pitchers Mike Mehlich, Brian Corey and Jeff Farnsworth as well as infielder Marquez Smith and outfielder Steven Doetsch were also added to the "ËSharks 2012 roster.
"After over four years in the Major Leagues, this will be Bergmann's Independent League debut," said Manager Jeff Scott. "Initially, we will use him out of the bullpen as our closer. We expect big things from him."
Bergmann was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft. Throughout his Major League career he has struck out 299 batters in 155 games played. He has a career 3.49 ERA while playing in the Minors.
"I am excited to go back near where I grew up to play baseball professionally," said Bergmann. "Baseball is and always will be a great passion of mine and I am greatly appreciative for the opportunity to play for the Riversharks. The season can't come soon enough. I am ready to go."
Mehlich was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2006. He spent four years in their farm system before playing for several Independent League teams. In 2010, he joined the Atlantic League and pitched for the Newark Bears. He has struck out 235 batters in his career.
Originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1993, Corey has played on nine Triple-A teams and made his Major League debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. Throughout his Minor League career he has recorded 96 saves. This is his first season in the Atlantic League.
Making his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2002, Farnsworth was originially drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1996. Before joining the Riversharks, he played for four other Atlantic League teams. He has also been playing in Italy since 2009.
Smith was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007. He played in their farm system for five seasons reaching as high as Triple-A and has a career batting average of .282, 282 RBIs and 67 homeruns. This will be his first season in the Atlantic League.
Doetsch was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002. He has previous Atlantic League experience with the Pennsylvania Road Warriors, Bridgeport Bluefish and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He has a career batting average of .277.
The team will play their home opener on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:05 p.m. at Campbell's Field. The Riversharks are hosting the 2012 Atlantic League All-Star Game, presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 11 at 7:05 p.m as well as a celebrity softball game presented by "Jaws Youth Playbook". To purchase tickets, call 1-866-SHARKS-9.
Atlantic League Stories from April 16, 2012
- Skeeters Begin Spring Training - Sugar Land Space Cowboys
- 'Sharks Sign Six Including Rutgers Alum Jason Bergmann - Camden Riversharks
- Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro, Lesean McCoy, Scheduled to Appear on Opening Day - Lancaster Stormers
- Roster Finalized as Spring Training Begins - Long Island Ducks
- Bluefish Sign Four - Bridgeport Bluefish
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