Surf Dawgs Pitcher Nathan Staggs acquired by Padres
Published on March 2, 2006 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
San Diego Surf Dawgs News Release
(Pleasanton, CA. March 2, 2006) The Golden Baseball League announced today that San Diego Surf Dawgs pitcher Nathan Staggs has had his contract purchased by the San Diego Padres.
"Nate had a tremendous rookie season for us last year," said San Diego Surf Dawgs Manager Terry Kennedy. "He was a key contributor for us out of the bullpen and will be missed this coming season. With his velocity and pitch selection, he should do very well in the Padres' organization."
Staggs, 23, and a native of San Diego, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 26th round of the 2000 draft after an outstanding high school career at University of San Diego High School. A USA Today All-USA High School pitcher and All-CIF basketball player in high school, he opted for college and attended and pitched for the University of Arizona and Grossmont College in San Diego, before graduating from Mesa State College in Colorado. Despite his size, 6'4", and fastball (92 mph+), he was un-drafted after his senior year of college. He was signed by the San Diego Surf Dawgs last March and was used in short relief situations throughout the 2005 season. He appeared in 26 games, had an E.R.A of 2.83, and struck out 39 batters in 41 innings pitched. The San Diego Padres invited him to attend a tryout last week in Arizona and were impressed with his velocity and control. His contract has been purchased from the Golden Baseball League and he is signing with the Padres in time to report this weekend to spring training with the organization.
"Nathan is a great example of what the Surf Dawgs experience is all about," said Jeff Grow, General Manager of the ball club. "It's great baseball with young talented players hustling to get noticed, surrounded by a fun family environment."
Staggs is the third player from the 2005 GBL Championship San Diego Surf Dawgs to sign with a major league organization, following teammates Adam Johnson (Oakland Athletics) and Cody Clark (Atlanta Braves).
The 2006 season for the GBL Champion San Diego Surf Dawgs opens at home on Monday, June 5th versus the Yuma Scorpions. Tickets, merchandise, and sponsor opportunities are all still available at www.sdsurfdawgs.com.
About the Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, Presented by Safeway Inc./VONS, is a professional baseball league operating under a single-entity ownership model, with the League owning all the individual teams. Golden Baseball League teams include the Chico Outlaws in Chico; CA, the Fullerton Flyers in Fullerton; CA, the Long Beach Armada in Long Beach; CA, the San Diego Surf Dawgs in San Diego; CA, the Yuma Scorpions in Yuma; AZ, and the Reno Silver Sox in Reno; NV. The season consists of 80 games per team, begins the first of June, and ends in early September. Each team will have a 23-player roster. For general information, please visit our League web site at www.goldenbaseball.com.
Golden Baseball League Stories from March 2, 2006
- Surf Dawgs Pitcher Nathan Staggs acquired by Padres - San Diego Surf Dawgs
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.
