(POMONA, NY) – The Rockland Boulders today announced the hiring of Carlos Mirabal, a 15-year professional pitcher, as their new pitching coach. Born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, this is the first professional coaching job for Mirabal.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity given to me by the Rockland Boulders Organization to become the pitching coach for the 2016 season. I would like to thank everyone in the Boulders organization. I will work hard and smart to represent the Rockland Boulders Organizations in a professional manner as we start our journey to win a championship in the 2016 season.”

After a brilliant career at Bergen County Technical High School, Mirabal had multiple offers from Division-I colleges and universities, as well as workouts with Major League teams. Instead, he chose to play in the Amatuer League in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico, and was selected to play for the Puerto Rican National Team in 1994. Mirabal also received an offer to return to the United States and sign with the New York Yankees organization in 1995, playing for their Single-A affiliate, the Greensboro Bats.

In 1996, the 6’2” righty started 16 games with the Altoona Railkings of the independent North Atlantic League, tossing five complete games. Mirabal then spent the next three seasons in the Taiwanese Major Leagues before signing with the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Japanese Major Leagues in 2000. Following a standout year in 2000, Mirabal was offered a guaranteed contract by the Colorado Rockies, but was told that he would not be released from his contract with Nippon Ham.

Forced to stay in Japan, he would continue to pitch well before signing with the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League in 2006, where he pitched for three more years. Mirabal was again offered a chance to reach the Majors in 2007, signing a split contract with the Houston Astros before being released on the final day of Spring Training.

Following the 2008 season with Newark, Mirabal decided to hang up his spikes, but made a brief return in 2015, pitching in seven games for the Trois-Rivieres Aigles as part of their Can-Am championship season.

“Carlos’ experience speaks for itself,” said Boulders Manager, and three-time Can-Am League Manager of the Year, Jamie Keefe. “He has pitched all over the world with great success. We are excited to have him join the Boulders organization and share his knowledge with our pitching staff.”

Mirabal will make his debut with the Boulders on Thursday, May 19th when Rockland hosts the Sussex County Miners on Opening Day. Fans can purchase season tickets at an early bird until January 20th by visiting the Provident Bank Park box office or call (845) 364-0009 to speak with a representative. Special “Holiday Packs” are also available for just $49, including four 2016 ticket vouchers, four 2015-16 Open Skate admissions to the Town of Ramapo Ice Rink and a commemorative Boulders ornament.

-30-

About Rockland Boulders and Bottom 9 Baseball, LLC

The Rockland Boulders completed their fifth season of professional baseball in the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball (“CanAm League”) by reaching the playoffs for the second straight season. After winning their first ever league championship in 2014 Rockland set new records for wins (63) along with a new mark for overall attendance, bringing 161,769 fans to Provident Bank Park this season. Their first ever home game was played on June 16th, 2011 in the brand new Provident Bank Park near Exit 12 of the Palisades Parkway in Pomona, NY. Expected to enhance the rich baseball history in the New York City region, Rockland Boulders Baseball is part of the fastest growing family sport in America. During the 2014 season, the Boulders also welcome their 500,000th fan to Provident Bank Park, leading the league in total attendance and per-game attendance. In 2014, Rockland was named the CanAm’s “Organization of the Year” for the second time, also receiving the honor in 2012. The Boulders are owned and operated by Bottom 9 Baseball, LLC (B9B), a sports and entertainment management company comprised of former executives from all levels of major and minor league sports. B9B is committed to providing superior customer service and quality, affordable family entertainment experiences for the Lower Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey. Slide to www.rocklandboulders.com for more information.