Red Sox Alumni in the Pros!
(Updated February 2012)
Brian Bent
A 6’2” 210lbs. catcher from Mount St. Joseph’s High School (MD) played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2002. He went on to star at Catonsville Community College (MD) leading him to get drafted by the Orioles in the 44th round of the 2005 draft. After battling injuries, Brian played his second season in short season A ball with the Aberdeen Ironbirds hitting .164 in 2008. In 2009, the injuries caught up to him again and Bent was released.
Christian Binford
The 6-foot-7, 225-pound righthander came off Tommy John surgery to have an
outstanding season in 2011 at Mercersburg Academy (PA). He went 9-2 with a 0.57 earned
run average. In 61 innings he allowed only 25 hits, seven walks and five earned
runs while striking out 83. A 30th round selection by the Kansas City Royals, Binford signed just before the August 15th deadline and will make his professional baseball debut in 2012.
Jake Brown
Jake Brown is a 6'2" 220lbs. left-handed pitcher from Forest Hill, MD. Brown played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2005. He played 1 year at North Harford Community College (MD), then transferred to Pitt Community College (NC), before finishing his collegiate career at Georgia Sothern University (GA). In 2010, Brown was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 26th round. He started his professional career in 2010 for the Class A Short Season Vancouver Canadiens. In 19 appearances as a reliver, Brown posted a 2-3 record with a 1.82 ERA and 31 strikeouts. Opponents hit just .218 against him in 2010 for the Canadiens. In 2011, Brown threw 149 innings across two minor league levels posting a 9-7 record in 25 starts. Brown finished the season with the Stockton Ports, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
Brandon Conway
Brandon Conway played Shortstop for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 1999 and 2000. The 6'3" left-handed hitter from Jefferson High School (WV) played one year at Shippensburg University (PA) before transferring to Frederick Community College (MD). The move made Brandon draft eligible after the 2004 season, when he was selected in the 9th round by the Washington Expos. Brandon spent 3 seasons (2004-2006) with the Expos Class A Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York Penn League. He was the second Red Sox player to ever be drafted and held the distinction of being the highest draft pick in Red Sox history until 2007 when Adam Mills was selected in the 8th round. Cody Wheeler was selected in the 5th round in 2010, and is currently the highest draft pick in Red Sox history.
Josh Edgin
Mid-Atlantic Red Sox alumni and Francis Marion University senior southpaw Josh Edgin was chosen by the New York Mets in the 30th round of Major League Baseball's 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
Edgin transferred to Francis Marion from Ohio State University. Following his junior campaign, Edgin was drafted by the Braves in the 50th round of the 2009 draft, but chose to return to Francis Marion for his senior season. Edgin, a native of Three Springs, PA, was the first Red Sox alumni to be drafted twice.
The 6 foot 2 inch, 225-pound left-hander made 20 relief appearances between two levels of Class A in 2010 for Kingston and Savannah. He recorded 3 saves and a 2.60 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 34.2 innings pitched. In 2011, Edgin returned to Class A Savannah and posted a 0.87 ERA in 24 games as a reliever. For his efforts, Edgin was promoted to Class A Advanced St. Lucie of the Florida State League. He finished the year 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 66 relief innings. Opponents hit just .189 against Edgin in 2011.
Billy Gross
A RHP from Frederick High School (MD), Billy Gross pitched for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2004. Gross went on to West Virginia University (WV) before signing as a free agent with the baltimore Orioles in 2009. Gross started his pro career with the GCL Orioles posting a 1-2 record with a 2.60 ERA as a reliever. Gross had 1 save and added 16 strikeouts in 17.1 innings pitched. In 2010, Gross moved up to the Rookie level Bluefield Orioles where he went 1-2 as reliever in 19 appearances.
T.J. Hose
T.J. Hose, a RHP from North Hagerstown High School (MD), played for the Red Sox in 2001, 2002, and 2003. After starring at East Carolina University (NC), Hose was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 36th Round in 2008. Hose began his pro career with the Yakima Bears in short season A ball going 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA as a starter. In 2009, Hose was named to the Midwest League All-Star team before being promoted to Class A Advanced Visalia (CA). As a reliever, Hose finished 2009 with a 3-2 record, 12 saves, and 70 strikeouts in 59.2 innings pitched. In 2010, Hose was back with the Visalia Rawhide. Hose battled injuries that landed him on the DL for parts of the season, in which he went 1-2 and recorded 8 saves in 23 appearances as the Rawhide's closer. Hose is continuing his 2010 season playing in the Colombian Winter League this year. In 2011, Hose went 8-2 with a 2.92 ERA in 14 starts for the Independent Newark Bears. Hose had his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox mid-season. Hose went 1-1 with 1 save and a 4.22 ERA in 6 games as a reliever for the Salem Red Sox of the Class A Advanced Carolina League.
Tommy Johnson
Tommy Johnson was a four year starting catcher at Marshall University (WV) and a 27th round pick of the Seattle Mariners in the 2008 MLB Draft. Johnson helped the Thundering Herd to a school record 30 wins in 2008. Johnson, a graduate of Quince Orchard High School (MD), played for the Red Sox in the fall of 2003. In 2008, Johnson hit .345 for the Rookie league Pulaski Mariners. In 2009, Johnson hit a combined .316 between Pulaski and the Clinton LumberKings of the Class A Midwest League.
Brandon King
2006-2008 Red Sox Alumni Brandon King was a 27th round selection of the Washington Nationals in 2009 out of Martinsburg High School (WV). After leading Martinsburg to the West Virginia State Title, King continued his success in 2009 at the pro level. In 6 starts for the GCL Nationals, King went 3-0 with a 4.15 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched. King went 0-2 in 4 starts for the GCL Nationals in 2010. In 2011, King returned to the GCL Nationals posting a 1-4 record in 35.2 innings pitched over 9 starts.
Austin Knight
Austin Knight is a switch-hitting shortstop from Boys Latin High School (MD) who played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2007. Knight went to Palm Beach Community College (FL) for two years before being drafted in the 37th round by the Baltimore Orioles. The University of South Florida commit signed with his hometown Orioles and started his professional career in 2010. Knight played in 54 games and hit .225 as an outfielder with the Aberdeen Ironbirds of the Class A New York Penn League. Knight returned to the Ironbirds in 2011 posting a .213 average with 8 stolen bases in 63 games.
Will Krasne
Will Krasne signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians in 2011. The 6'0", 200 lbs. Washington D.C. native pitched for Stanford University (CA) before transferring to Rollins College (FL). After signing with the Indians, Krasne was assigned to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the Class A New York Penn League. In 2011, Krasne went 3-5 with a 4.01 ERA in 33.2 relief innings for the Scrappers.
Danny Leatherman
Danny Leatherman played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2002. The Walkersville High School (MD) graduate went on to a successful career at West Virginia University before signing as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins in 2006. In 2006, Leatherman started his pro career with the GCL Twins and earned a promotions to Class A Elizabethtown and then Class A Beloit, going a combined 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA as a reliever. In 2007, Leatherman played a full season for the Class A Beloit Snappers. The 6’2” 210lbs. RHP posted a 7-4 record with a 3.89 ERA. Leatherman was released by the Twins in spring training of 2008. He quickly signed with the Washington Nationals. He started 2008 with Class A Hagerstown and earned a promotion to Class A Advanced Potomac after posting a 2.68 ERA. In 2009, Leatherman went 6-1 as a reliever for Class A Advanced Potomac earning him a promotion to Class AA Harrisburg. Leatherman posted a 3.25 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched. In 2010, Leatherman starred at Class A Advanced Potomac earning a promotion to Class AAA Syracuse. Leatherman finished the year at Class AA Harrisburg with a combined record of 4-2, 3.02 ERA, 11 saves, and 69 strikeouts in 56.2 innings pitched.
Steve Lombardozzi
Steve Lombardozzi, a shortstop from Atholton High School (MD), was selected in the 19th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. Lombardozzi was selected after being named Second Team All-Florida Junior College as a freshman at St. Petersburg Junior College. He played with the Red Sox in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, Lombardozzi played 2B for the GCL Nationals hitting .283 with 4 stolen bases. In 2009, the switch-hitting second baseman hit .296 in his first full professional season with the Class A Hagerstown Suns. His 26 doubles, 7 triples, 3 homeruns, and 16 stolen bases earned him a selection to the South Atlantic League All Star Team. In 2010, Lombardozzi has emerged as one of the top prospects in Nationals organization. After starting with Class A Advanced Potomac, he earned a promotion to Class AA Harrisburg. Lombardozzi put up impressive numbers in 2010 including a .294 average, 6 homeruns, 11 triples, and 24 stolen bases. He will continue his 2010 season for the Scottsdale Scorpions after receiving an invite to represent the Nationals in the Arizona Fall League. After leading the Scorpions to the Arizona Fall League championship, Lombardozzi was named the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award winner. Lombardozzi had the best pro season in Red Sox alumni history in 2011. He started the 2011 season in Class AA Harrisburg hitting .309 with 16 stolen bases in 65 games. After a promotion to Class AAA Syracuse, Lombardozzi responded by hitting .310 with 14 stolen bases in 69 games. Lombardozzi earned a big league promotion, playing 13 games for the Washington Nationals. Lombardozzi became the first Red Sox alumni to make it to The Show.
Adam Mills
The graduate of Clear Spring High School (MD) played with the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2002, and was an 8th round selection of the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 draft. Mills had success in 2007 in short season A ball with the Lowell Spinners, going 3-1 with 1 save and a 2.04 ERA. Mills had a big year in 2008. He started the year in Class A Advanced Lancaster, then earning a promotion to Class AA Portland, and earning yet another promotion to finish the year at Class AAA Pawtucket. The Paw Sox starter is the first Red Sox alumni to reach AAA going 7-9 with a 4.24 ERA. In 2009, Mills started back at Class AA Portland going 10-5 in 20 starts. He was promoted to Class AAA Pawtucket, and finished the season 12-7 with a 4.08 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 141.1 innings pitched. Mills returned to the Paw Sox rotation in 2010 posting a 4-10 record over 25 starts.
Justin Moore
In the fall of 2006, Justin Moore flashed a low nineties fastball and good control for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox. The 6’3” RHP from Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg, VA was selected by the Orioles in the 26th round of the 2007 draft. After signing a contract, Moore was assigned to the GCL Orioles of the Rookie Gulf Coast League. Being used as a reliever, Moore went 1-0 with 1 save. In 2008, Moore returned to the GCL Orioles as a starter going 1-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 51 K’s in 57.1 innings pitched. In 2009, Moore started 12 games in 13 appearances for the Rookie League Bluefield Orioles. Moore went 4-3 with a 3.11 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 63.2 innings pitched. In 2010, Moore posted a 3-2 record with a 2.57 ERA for the Class A Aberdeen Ironbirds. For his success in 2010, Moore was selected as New York Penn League All-Star. In 2011, Moore was promoted to the Class A Advanced Frederick Keys. Moore posted a 3-0 record with 1 save and a 3.40 ERA in 55.2 innings. Moore's strong season as a reliever helped the Keys win the 2011 Carolina League championship.
Drew Permison
Fall 2007 Mid-Atlantic Red Sox Alumni Drew Permison was drafted in the 42nd round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Towson University (MD) right-handed pitcher started his professional career in 2010 for the Class A Auburn Doubledays of the New York Penn League. Permison posted a 1-1 record with 7 saves and a 2.31 ERA over 27 appearances as a reliever. He had 59 strikeouts in 39 innings pitched for the Doubledays. In 2011, Permison worked as a closer posted a 1-1 record with 16 saves and a 3.32 ERA over two levels of Class A finishing the season for the Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League.
Bill Rice
2010 Philadeliphia Phillies free agent signee Bill Rice roamed the outfield for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the falls of 2005 and 2006. After starting as a freshman at University of Maryland, Rice decided to transfer to Gloucester Community College for his sophomore season, and then on to the University of South Carolina Aiken. Rice signed after his junior season, and appeared in 22 games for the GCL Phillies in the Rookie Gulf Coast League. Rice hit .230 with 3 homeruns and 3 stolen bases in 2010. After starting the 2011 season with the GCL Phillies, Rice earned a promotion to the Class A Lakewood Blue Claws of the South Atlantic League. Rice batted .296 with 4 triples and 10 stolen bases in 46 games in 2011.
Brett Sellers
Brett Sellers, an outfielder for James Madison University (VA), signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationals. Sellers, from Greencastle, PA, played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox before attending Potomac State Junior College (WV) and then James Madison. Sellers hit .217 for the GCL Nationals in 2008. Sellers was released following the 2008 season.
Nate Starner
Nate Starner, a 6’2” 190lbs. Left-handed pitcher, played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2001. Starner went on to play college ball at Shippensburg University (PA) before signing a free agent contract in 2006 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Starner started his pro career in 2006 as a relief pitcher with Class A Pulaski earning a promotion to short season A Auburn. In 2007, Starner was promoted again to Class A Lansing as a starter. Starner went 12-9 with a 4.43 ERA for the Lugnuts. He recorded 143 strikeouts in 140.1 innings pitched. In 2008, Starner returned to Lansing before earning a promotion to the Class A Advanced Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League. Starner had 5-4 record with a 1.76 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 102.1 innings pitched over the two levels in 2008. In 2009, Starner was promoted mid-season from Dunedin to Class AA New Hampshire. Pitching mostly as a reliever, Starner posted a 1-3 record, 2 saves, a 4.28 ERA, and 41 strikeouts in 67.1 innings pitched.
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas pitched for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2006. A graduate of Fallston High School (MD), Thomas went on to star at Rider University (NJ). The 6'2" left-handed pitcher was drafted in the 35th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a successful stint with the Arizona League Dodgers to start his professional career, Thomas was promoted to the Ogden Raptors of the Rookie Pioneer League. Thomas totaled a 2-3 record with a 4.58 ERA in 35.1 innings pitched in 2011.
Brian Valichka
In the fall of 2000, Brian Valichka caught for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox. A graduate of Urbana High School (MD), Valichka went on to star at the University of Delaware and become an outstanding defensive catcher. He was selected in the 19th round of the 2005 draft by the Texas Rangers. Valichka played on three levels of Class A for the Rangers in 2006 ending the year with a .231 batting average and 6 homers. He played a full season in 2007 at Class A Advanced Bakersfield, hitting .274 for the Blaze. After being released by Texas, Valichka signed with the Baltimore Orioles. In 2008, he hit a combined .263 for Class A Delmarva, Class A Advanced Frederick, and Class AA Bowie.
Sam Walls
Red Sox Alumni and Jefferson High School (WV) right-handed pitcher Sam Walls was a 10th round selection of the Philadelphia Phillies out of NC State University. The collegiate closer battled injuries throughout his minor league career that saw him post his best year in 2008 by recording a 2-2 record, 14 saves, 3.60 ERA, and 51 strikeouts in 60 innings pitched combined for Class A Clearwater and Class AA Reading. In 2009, Walls returned to Class A Clearwater and was soon promoted to Class AA Reading. As the closer, Walls posted a combined 0-2 record and 5.23 ERA with 1 save and 7 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. Walls was released after 8 games in 2009.
Cody Wheeler, a left-handed pitcher, played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox in the fall of 2006. Wheeler, a native of Spotsylvania, VA, went on to star at Coastal Carolina University and for Team USA. After his junior season with the Chanticleers, Wheeler was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wheeler is the highest drafted player in Mid-Atlantic Red Sox history. He started his professional career in 2010 with the Yakima Bears of the Class A Short Season Northwest League throwing just 3 innings in 3 games.
Ryan Woolley
Ryan Woolley was selected in 13th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham (AL). Woolley, a 6'1" right-handed pitcher from Forest Park High School (VA) was also drafted in 2009 by the Atlanta Braves and in 2010 by the Texas Rangers. After signing with the Tigers, Woolley began his professional career in 2011 as a reliever across two levels of Class A. He posted a 1-2 record with 2 saves, 44 strikeouts, and a 3.45 ERA in 47 innings pitched.
