Dukes Make Two New Additions to the Roster
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (Tuesday June 6, 2007) – The Pittsfield Dukes
announced this morning the signing of two new players for their 2007
roster. Alex Hassan, a freshman outfielder and right-handed-pitcher
from Duke University, and Jeff Rustico, a junior hard-hitting
catcher from Division III American International College.
Hassan, a Boston, MA native, comes to the Dukes following an
impressive freshman year in the very tough Atlantic Coast
Conference. He was their everyday left fielder in his first season
with the Blue Devils and compiled a .262 batting average with 12
doubles, a pair of homeruns and 37 RBIs.
Not only dangerous at the plate, Hassan was thrown into the fire as
a member of the Blue Devils pitching staff, receiving the bulk of
his starts as the team’s Friday night starter, mostly against ACC
opponents. His numbers do not necessarily indicate how much talent
he has as he compiled a record of 2-6 with an ERA of 5.80 in 13
appearances, making eleven starts.
Dukes’ General Manager Kent Qualls says of the squad’s new edition,
“We are pleased to add a player of Alex’s caliber from an ACC
program, who was able to contribute as a two-way player as a true
freshman,” he added, “it’s rare to see someone that in a baseball
power conference like the ACC.”
Also added to the Dukes’ roster is Northeast-10 Second Team
All-Conference catcher Jeff Rustico. Rustico who has been a three
year starter for the Yellow Jackets, led the team in hitting for the
second straight season. His .309 average, nine doubles and 20 RBIs
were impressive, but his defense was absolutely stellar. On the
season Rustico threw out 20 of the 51 runners who attempted to steal
against him, a remarkable 39.2%. For his career he has erased 38.9%
of attempted thefts.
The Dukes first game is this Friday night in North Adams, there
first of the six-game Battle for the Berkshires series, with the
home opener the following night against the Keene Swamp Bats. Both
games are slated to get under way at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for the Dukes are available now. Tickets can be
purchased online at www.pittsfielddukes.com or by calling (413)
447-DUKE.
The Dukes appreciate your support. GO DUKES!!!
