High Point Rockers Add Four to Roster Including Pair from The Old North State:North Carolina Natives Highlight Rockers Roster Additions

North Carolina Natives Highlight Rockers Roster Additions

High Point Adds Four More to Roster, Including Pair from The Old North State

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point Rockers continued to add to their inaugural roster, announcing the signing of four new players today, including two from North Carolina. Pitcher Casey Delgado, along with position players Giovanny Alfonzo, Brett Austin, and Quincy Latimore join High Point’s squad for the 2019 season.

“We teased the addition of more North Carolina players last week,” said Rockers manager Jamie Keefe. “It is exciting for the community of High Point, the Triad, and beyond to have these homegrown talents be able to put on the Rockers uniform here in High Point.”

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Latimore was drafted in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 out of Middle Creek High School in Apex, N.C. In his twelve professional seasons, the outfielder has reached as high as Triple-A, spending last season with Bravos de Leon in the Mexican League where he batted .316 with sixteen home runs and 87 runs batted in. Over the course of his career, the 30-year-old has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals, and Detroit Tigers organizations.

“Quincy brings 12 years and over 6,000 at-bats in the minors to us in High Point,” Keefe touted. “His power numbers, and the ability to drive in runs, will be a nice addition to the middle of our lineup.”

Also from North Carolina, catcher Brett Austin becomes the first backstop on the Rockers team, completing a potential “All-N.C.” battery with recently acquired pitcher Seth Maness also on the roster. A native of the Charlotte area, Austin played collegiately at North Carolina State University where he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 draft by the Chicago White Sox. No stranger to playing in his home state, Austin spend 2018 in Triple-A with the Charlotte Knights, mainly as a reserve catcher. His five-year professional career has been entirely with the White Sox organization, including stints in Kannapolis, as well as Winston-Salem in 2015 and 2016.

“Brett has an abundance of experience catching as high as Triple A,” noted Keefe. “We will look to him to guide our pitching staff.”

A utility infielder, Giovanny Alfonzo enters his fifth season as a professional. Originally born in Venezuela, the 26-year-old played high school baseball in Florida before attending the University of Tampa. He was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2015 and spent two years in their system, spending 2016 with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Alfonzo has also seen stints with the Long Island Ducks and the New York Mets organization. The infielder’s best season came in the Atlantic League, batting a career high .309 with 45 RBI and 10 stolen bases, both career highs.

“Gio has played all over the diamond in his career,” Keefe mentioned. “He will help us to solidify the middle of our defense here in High Point.”

Rounding out the latest group of signings is right-handed pitcher Casey Delgado. The 28-year-old played collegiate baseball at Austin Peay State University and began his professional career in the Independent Frontier League before signing with the New York Mets in 2015. Delgado reached Double-A Binghamton in 2016 & 2017, going 11-6 in 2017. He spent last year with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, throwing three complete games.

“Casey made 22 stats in this league last year,” explained Keefe. “He will eat up innings for us and has a ton of knowledge regarding the hitters in this league.”

The recent group of signings joins a pedigree of talent for High Point, which opens their inaugural season on Thursday, May 2nd at BB&T Point. Fans can now reserve seats in several ways, including Season Tickets, 35-Game Plans and Group Outings; with single-game tickets going on sale Tuesday, March 26th. All information on tickets, including single-game pricing, is available online, by calling (336) 888-1000, or by visiting the Rockers team offices at 214 Lindsay Street in downtown High Point.

For ongoing updates and more information, slide to HighPointRockers.com or visit Facebook at @HighPointBaseball, Instagram at @HighPointRockers, and Twitter at @RockersBaseball.

About High Point Baseball, Inc

High Point Baseball aka the High Point Rockers will begin their inaugural season in the Atlantic League in 2019 with their home opener schedule for May 2, in a brand new approximately $36M downtown ballpark named BB&T Point. Expected to enhance the rich baseball history in North Carolina, High Point Baseball is part of the fastest growing family sport in America. High Point Baseball is committed to providing superior customer service and quality, affordable family entertainment experiences for the Triad of North Carolina. Look for exciting upcoming announcements, including the team mascot. In addition, season ticket deposits are currently being accepted, while corporate partnerships are currently being crafted.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-

caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.