The Rockland Boulders announced today the signing and return of outfielder, 1st baseman and catcher, Joe Maloney.  The 26-year old Chester, PA native played for Rockland in 2014 and 2015 and was the Baseball Digest Independent Player of the Year in 2015 

Maloney, a 2011 10th round June amateur draft pick of the Texas Rangers and 7-year pro baseball veteran, played 179 games for the Boulders compiling a .304 batting average with 31 HR, 149 RBI, 227 hits, and 88 walks.  In 2015 he had the best season of his career playing in 97 games and batting .337 with 14 HR’s and 83 RBI’s and making the CanAm League All Star Team.  Maloney also set some records in 2015, having set the franchise record for single season batting average (.337) and the league record for runs scored with 91.  Last season, Maloney played in the Minnesota Twins organization appearing in 114 games, batting .256 with 6 HR, 51 RBI, and 104 hits, while maintaining a .322 OBP.

“Obviously we know the caliber of player Joe Maloney is” said Boulders Field Manager Jamie Keefe.  “Any chance you have to bring back a former Independent League Player of the Year you have to take it.  We are excited to have Maloney back in a Boulders uniform where we know how talented he can be.”

“While things didn’t work out with the Twins, it was an easy decision to come back to play for Jamie and Rockland” stated Joe Maloney.  “I thought about it and couldn’t find a better place for myself to play, fit in comfortably, and hopefully win another championship!”

“We are happy that Joe is coming back to Rockland to resume his trip to the big leagues” said Boulders President Ken Lehner.  “He was part of the most exciting power tandem in league history when we had (Stephen) Cardullo-Maloney in the middle of our lineup. With Jamie’s (Keefe) mentoring I am confident he will resume his quest in the near future.”  Maloney’s former Boulders teammate Stephen Cardullo now plays with the Colorado Rockies and the two led Rockland to set many league records in offense in 2015 while setting a team record for wins with 63.

Maloney and the rest of the Boulders will begin their seventh season with a #BouldOpening on Thursday, May 18th when they host the Sussex County Miners at 7:00pm at Palisades Credit Union Park. Season Ticket Memberships and numerous other ticket packages are currently on-sale and can be purchased by visiting the box office or calling (845) 364-0009.  For more information, slide to Rocklandboulders.com.