SteepleCats announce the return of Sean Parker & signing of Tim Boyce

- May 02, 2008

NORTH ADAMS - The North Adams SteepleCats of the 12-team New England Collegiate Baseball League announce the return of Sean Parker for his third season with the Cats as well as the signings of Tim Boyce, a pitcher from the University of Rhode Island and Kevin Carby, an infielder from the University of Kentucky.

Parker, a catcher who is in his first season with Central Connecticut State University after transferring from the U. of Maine, led the SteepleCats in homeruns last season with four and drove in 18 runs to place third on North Adams. His four homeruns tied for fourth in the entire NECBL. In a part-time role in 2006, Parker hit .232 for the Cats with four doubles and 10 RBI. For the CCSU Blue Devils this season, Parker has a pair of homers to tie for the club lead and has driven in 16.

Staying in the New England region, the SteepleCats have also signed Tim Boyce, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Rhode Island. The hard throwing righty has been a key to the URI bullpen this season as he has compiled a 3-1 record with two saves and a sparkling 1.25 ERA. In 21.2 innings on the season for the Rams, he has issued just five walks and has whiffed 28 while allowing opponents to hit just .182 off him. Boyce had a lot a success out of the gates last season where as a freshman, he went 1-0 for Rhode Island with a team leading six saves.

Twice a Major League Baseball draftee, Kevin Carby joins the SteepleCats from NAIA powerhouse Tennessee Wesleyan College. He is enjoying a fine season with the Bulldogs, hitting .319 with three homers and 14 RBI. Twice a Major League Baseball draftee, he was selected in the 18th round of the 2005 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Carby hit .379 with 15 steals and 42 RBI for Texarkana College. Carby was also selected by the Yankees in the 26th round of the 2006 draft.

Notes: SteepleCats All Over The Place

On April 25th, five SteepleCats, either current or former, were involved in one single play. Barry University hosted conference rival Nova Southeastern.  The particular played occurred in the bottom of the first inning when Nova's starting pitcher, Rudy Garcia ('Cats '06) walked the leadoff hitter, Nick Shaw ('Cats '08). With one out, John Servidio ('Cats '07) hit a single to centerfield that was fielded by Matt Mindick ('Cats '06) whose late throw home allowed Shaw to score. The fifth individual involved was Barry University's Head Coach, Marc Pavao ('Cats Manager in '04 and '05), who was coaching third base and directed Shaw to home. Barry went on to win the game 9-0, although Nova Southeastern won the next two games to win the series.

The SteepleCats will open their 2008 campaign with a three game homestand, starting on June 6th with a date against the Torrington Twisters. June 7th sees the Newport Gulls come to Joe Wolfe Field with the weekend concluding against the Manchester Silkworms on June 8th. All three games have a first pitch slated for 7 p.m. with the gates opening at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.steeplecats.com

In case you haven't purchased your season ticket for the upcoming season, please visit one of the 7 local businesses listed here to purchase your full season's ticket or 10-pack ticket. The Full Season Family Plan is $100; Full Season Individual Plan is $70; Ten-Pack Family Plan is $60; and the Ten-Pack Individual Plan is $45. Tickets are sold at all of the following locations: Adams: Val's Variety; Clarksburg: Cross Road Variety; North Adams: Man's World and Moulton's General Store; Stamford, VT: Billmont's Country Store, and in Williamstown at Angelina's Submarine Shop and St. Pierre's Barber Shop.