The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have signed infielder Mike Fransoso for the 2018 season. His rights were originally acquired in a trade with the Rockland Boulders for future considerations.
“I’m excited to get in there and get started,” said Fransoso. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the coaches, fans, ballpark and front office. I’m ready to step in and play whatever position is needed to help the team win.” 
Fransoso enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and first in the Atlantic League. He spent the previous two seasons with the Boulders in the Can-Am League. The left-handed hitting infielder finished second on the team in batting in 2016 with a .291 average along with six home runs, 43 RBI and a .395 on-base percentage (OBP) over 86 games. Fransoso followed that up with a strong season last year in which he batted .272 with four home runs, 38 RBI and a career-high .406 OBP.
The Portsmouth, New Hampshire native also ranked among league leaders in steals over the last two seasons. He finished 2016 with 21 stolen bases – eighth-most in the Can-Am League. Fransoso then followed that up with a career-high 30 stolen bases last year: third-most in the league. The University of Maine alum also finished second in the league in walks last year (68) and seventh in OBP (.406).
Fransoso hit .282 with 10 home runs, 81 RBI, 51 stolen bases and a .400 OBP over 174 games in his two seasons in Rockland.
“We truly have many athletic guys who can play all over the field this year, and that remains true with the addition of Fransoso,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “Mike has good numbers in other leagues and comes highly recommended. In talks with Mike, he is ready for a new challenge and is not scared of competition. He has the chance to be a complete player with his tools and attitude. He sounds like our type of guy and we are excited to team up with him this year.”
Fransoso spent the first three years of his professional career in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. The 27th-round draft pick from Maine has played every position defensively aside from catcher and first base, but has spent the majority of his time in the infield, including 114 games at shortstop. He owns a .259 batting average with 18 home runs, 145 RBI and 79 stolen bases over his five-year professional career.
The Somerset Patriots led the Atlantic League in attendance and made their 14th appearance in the playoffs last season. The Somerset Patriots will welcome their 7,000,000th fan in their 20th season at TD Bank Ballpark in 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Season presented by Ford beginning at home on Friday, April 27th. For more information, please visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
