News

SPRINGFIELD, MA-  The Valley Blue Sox roster added a little local flavor this week, having added two exciting players to their roster in AIC’s Chris Starcun, and Siena College’s Bryan Goossens.  

 

“As an organization, you always need to make sure that you’ve got a read on the pulse of the local baseball scene and deep recruiting hooks within it,” said Blue Sox General Manager Hunter Golden. “We’ve had a lot of success in the past with players like Frankie Crinella (Merrimack) and Ben Rakus (Stetson) and bringing more local players in is going to continue to be a priority for us heading forward.”

 

Starcun, a 6’3, 235 lbs. first baseman who hails from Easthampton, was one of the most intimidating hitters in the Northeast-10 Conference this past season, posting a .378/.476/.597 slash line. His production was good enough to place him 1st in the conference in batting average, 2nd in on base percentage and fourth in slugging. His efforts earned him a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings East All-Region 2nd team.

 

“Chris was one of those players that the more we got to know him and see him play, the more we liked him,” commented Golden. “He’s a thick, athletic kid who controls the strike zone as well as anyone at his level. We think his bat has the capability to make some big contributions to our offense and his presence will really help us lengthen our lineup.”

 

In addition, the Blue Sox will also see Siena College standout Bryan Goossens take the mound this summer - his second stint with the Blue Sox.

 

“We’re actually really fortunate to get Bryan back this year,” said Golden. “He’s got a track record of success here, at his Division-1 program and then in the Cape Cod League last year. That kind of experience is going to be tremendously important to us.”

 

Goossens, a native of Hampden, will be entering his final season of college baseball.  At 6’3, 210 lbs, Goossens pitched 61.1 innings this past season including one complete game.  Goossens struck out 55 while walking just 16, good enough for a 3.4 K/BB ratio.

 

His success also rolled over in the Summer ranks - posting a 4.29 ERA in 21 IP in 2013 for the Blue Sox, and then a 4.35 ERA for the Chatham Anglers in 20.2 IP last season.

 

“People really under-state the importance of having players who’ve been around the block,” said Golden. “It’s not just Bryan’s experience that gets us excited to have him back - but rather the quality of his experience. He’s successfully translated his talent at multiple levels and with another year of growing under his belt, we’re confident that he’ll accomplish big things this season for us.”