The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of right-handed pitcher Connor Little
“I’m real excited to get back to Somerset and be a Patriot again,” said Little. Our goal is to come in and bring another championship home this season. [Manager] Brett Jodie and [pitching coach] Cory Domel see a lot of potential in me, so I am happy to come back!”
Little enters his second season with the Somerset Patriots and in the Atlantic League. The righty appeared in four games at the end of the regular season with the Patriots last year, striking out four batters over six innings pitched. He later tossed two scoreless innings over three relief appearances in the postseason during the Patriots’ championship run.
After the season, Little was signed by the Atlanta Braves organization, marking the sixth player from the 2015 Patriots to be signed by a Major League organization. The other players included: Edwin Quirarte (San Francisco Giants), Mickey Storey (Los Angeles Dodgers), Chris Marrero (Chicago White Sox), Sean Bierman (Baltimore Orioles) and Lucas Irvine (Arizona Diamondbacks).
The San Diego, California native began the 2015 season with the Evansville Otters (Frontier League), where he went 7-5 with a 1.19 ERA in 47 relief appearances. Little also struck out 90 batters while issuing just 14 walks over 68.0 innings pitched. The 25-year old made four starts for Evansville in 2014, going 2-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 24.0 innings of work.
“It is good to welcome Connor back to the squad after a brief stint with us last year,” said Jodie. Connor does some special things on the mound and I think he will grow even more this season. He can throw every day, has a plus arm and can pitch in many different roles on the staff. Connor will be an important part of our success and we look forward to fitting him in to a role that best suits him and our club.”
Little owns a 9-8 career record in 63 appearances (four starts) with a 2.78 ERA, 132 strikeouts and two saves.
The Somerset Patriots won their Atlantic League leading sixth championship during the 2015 season. Tickets are now on-sale for the upcoming 2016 season and the schedule can be viewed at www.somersetpatriots.com. For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2016 season, stop by TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or 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 34 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 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 to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com
