The Rockland Boulders announced today that left-handed pitcher Richard Salazar will be the 2017 “Sprint Opening Day Starter.”  Salazar was selected from a trio of candidates presented by Manager Jamie Keefe as part of a groundbreaking social media vote by Boulders fans.

Over the past three seasons for the Boulders, the 35-year old left-hander has compiled a 31-15 record, with a 3.40 ERA. Salazar’s best season in Rockland came during the 2015 season, in which he went 11-4 with a 3.15 ERA. 

Salazar was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur draft.  He reached as high as AAA in 2007, where he played for the Norfolk Tides of the International League.  Salazar will also serve as the Boulders pitching coach this season.

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Salazar played college baseball at Miami-Dade College, where he won a State Championship in 2001. Salazar has also played professionally in the Venezuelan Winter League and was a member of the Spain National Team that participated in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

“It feels good.  Jamie gave me an opportunity to be named the Opening Day Starter.  It’s my third year here and it’s always important to set the tone for the season,” noted the veteran hurler.  “It feels good that the fans support me and the job I’ve done in the past for the team.  It’s always appreciated to have the fans come to the games, support the team, and to have them vote for me, that feels pretty good.”

Salazar and the rest of the 2017 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.