(POMONA, NY) – Rockland Boulders outfielder/catcher, and the 2015 Can-Am League Player of the Year, Joe Maloney recently had his contract purchased by the Minnesota Twins organization and will join the team at spring training this coming February. He becomes the first Boulder in 2015, and the seventh overall, to reach the ranks of affiliated baseball.
“It’s an honor to join the Minnesota Twins organization and I am excited to get started on this next chapter of my journey of reaching this dream,” said Maloney. “I cannot express how thankful I am for everything the Boulders organization has done from Jamie (Keefe) and the coaches, to management and the staff, to the interns and the bat boys. Everything these past two years have been great and I’ll remember it forever.”
In his second season with the Boulders, Maloney led an offense that eviscerated over 20 franchise and nine league records. The right-handed hitter himself set the Rockland mark for batting average in a single season, hitting .337 to go along with 14 home runs and 83 RBI. He also set the league record for runs scored with 91, while helping the team set new Can-Am highs in doubles (211), runs scored (622), and RBI (572).
Maloney saw time as a corner outfielder, designated hitter, and a catcher where he threw out eight runners. He contributed a pair of walk-off hits, including a game-winning, two-run homer to clinch a spot in the 2015 postseason.
“Joe has matured so much offensively over the past two seasons,” said Jamie Keefe, Boulders Manager and the Can-Am League Manager of the Year in 2015. “It’s nice to see him getting another shot with a Big League club. The Twins put a lot of time in with Joe during the last few weeks of the season and knowing that he is going to have the chance to meet and work with everyone before Spring Training is a plus.”
This is the second time Maloney has played in affiliated ball after being drafted in the Texas Rangers in 2011, reaching Class A-Advanced Myrtle Beach in 2013.
Despite the season being over, there are plenty of events occurring at Palisades Credit Union Park this offseason. It all kicks off this Saturday, October 3 with the first-ever “Kick Breast Cancer Kickball Tournament” benefitting The Breast Center at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. A total of 11 teams will play a double-elimination style tournament beginning at 12:00pm and running throughout the day with raffle prizes, live music, and drink specials. The event is free for spectators and open to the public.
A yearly tradition, BoulderBird’s Third Annual Trick-or-Treat will take place on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. This FREE, family-friendly event features a haunted train ride, spooky scoreboard, gobs of candy, and orange fireworks! Kids ages 12-and-under are invited for this hauntingly good time.
Adding to the Halloween spirit, the Boulders will be hosting a Haunted Clubhouse on Friday, October 23 and 30, as well as Saturday, October 31. More details will be made available at www.RocklandBoulders.com.
As for the baseball fan yearning for the Boulders to return, 2016 season tickets are on sale now! Call (845) 364-0009 or visit the Palisades Credit Union Park box office to reserve your seats today. Benefits include a discount in the Team Store, guaranteed seats for all exhibition and playoff games, batting practice on the field, PLUS a return trip to Cooperstown, NY and the National Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.