SteepleCats announce the signings of Matt Sommo, and Robby Graham

- May 07, 2008

NORTH ADAMS – The North Adams SteepleCats of the 12-team New England Collegiate Baseball League announce the signings of Matt Sommo, a right-handed pitcher from the University of New Haven and Robby Graham, an outfielder from the University of Memphis.
 
Sommo has been the ace of a New Haven pitching staff that recently helped the Chargers lock down the #2 seed in the forthcoming East Coast Conference Tournament. He has appeared in 12 games (10 starts) and is 5-4 with a 3.99 ERA and has one shutout to his credit. The sophomore garnered ECC Pitcher of the Week honors for the week of April 14, and overall has tossed 70 innings, striking out 60, while allowing opponents just a .244 average against. Stepping in right away as a freshman last season, Sommo was second on New Haven in innings pitched with 65.2 and in 15 appearances (10 starts) had a fantastic 56-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
 
“Fans should plan to see a lot of Sommo on the mound as we expect him to be in the starting rotation throughout the season. He’s proven for the past two seasons that he can lead a pitching staff. He leads all starting pitchers on his team in every major statistical category and should excel getting batters out,” said McGrath.
 
An athletic and talented player, Robby Graham comes to the SteepleCats after already cracking the University of Memphis starting lineup as a freshman. In 43 games for the Tigers this season, Graham is hitting .255 with a pair of homers and 19 RBI. Throughout the majority of the season, Graham was thrust batting fifth in the line-up and contributing to the offensive production for the defending Conference USA champions.
 
“Memphis was very excited to land a recruit of Robby’s talent. He received numerous major division offers, including from the SEC, but decided to stay at home in Memphis following their Conference USA championship last season.  As they had hoped, Robby became a mainstay in their line-up as a true freshman.  He’s had some success, but is also still making adjustments. We have anticipate that he’ll be a major contributor in the middle of our line-up each night,” said McGrath.
 
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 
 
Note: Nick Shaw from Barry University received the team’s MVP honor at the season ending awards banquet. Shaw finished his sophomore season batting .398 with a team leading 63 runs and 53 walks and .528 on-base percentage as well as being 12 of 17 in successful stolen bases. “Although his college offensive numbers are very impressive, Nick’s strength is his defense. I think a lot of fans will remember the 5’ 3” Chris Cates as an exceptional infielder, but I’ve been told that Nick is just as good, but not quite as flashy as Chris was.”
 
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.