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Yuma Scorpions LHP Charles Merricks Acquired by Philadelphia Phillies

September 14, 2007 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Yuma Scorpions News Release


(Dublin, CA. September 2, 2007) The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that Yuma Scorpion LHP Charles Merricks has had his contract purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies plan to bring him into Clearwater, Florida next year as part of their AA or AAA spring training rosters.

"I am thrilled for Charlie even though it sure is tough to lose the ace or our staff," said Mike Marshall, Manager of the Yuma Scorpions. "He was key to our turnaround this season and was one of the top pitchers in the league. He is a great comeback story and is a tremendous discovery by the Phillies."

Merricks, 28, was originally drafted in 2000 in the 17th round by the Colorado Rockies out of UCLA after his junior year where he was the Bruins starting centerfielder and also a part-time pitcher. The lefty was converted to a full-time pitcher by Colorado and spent three years in their farm system advancing each year as he posted a 12-8 record in 55 appearances. Released after the 2002 season he returned to southern California and spent the next four years establishing a career outside of baseball, but still pitching on the side for some of the finest semi-pro teams in the Los Angeles area where he was just about unhittable. Contacted by former Los Angeles Dodger, and current Yuma Scorpion manager, Mike Marshall, he was convinced to give professional baseball one more shot. In his tryout in Yuma this spring he registered 96 MPH on the radar gun and quickly became the ace of the staff of a very experienced Yuma team.

Throwing to Scorpion's catcher Pascual Matos, former major leaguer with the Atlanta Braves, he compiled a record of 6-3 and caught the eye of the Philadelphia Phillies. Invited to a special tryout in Atlantic City on a rainy day in early September, he impressed the big league club with his velocity and polish and is now slated to return to a major league organization for the 2008 season, six years after being released by the Rockies.

Merricks is the 14th GBL player acquired by a major league organization this year.

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