July 23, 2008

Former Penguin Pitcher Kalafos Signs to Play in Northern League

    Youngstown -- Former Youngstown State pitcher Adam Kalafos has signed a contract to play professionally for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League.
    Kalafos, a righthander who pitched for the Penguins the past two seasons, is the fifth YSU player to sign a professional contract in the past four years.
    "It's hard to even describe how excited I am to be able to continue playing baseball," Kalafos said. "Ever since Little League, I can remember dreaming about growing up and becoming a professional baseball player. I am extremely grateful that it has come true.
    "It's going to be a challenge, but I look forward to meeting it head on and showing everyone what I can do."
    Last season as a senior, Kalafos went 5-3 in 17 appearances, which included 10 starts. He struck out 59 batters in 61.2 innings and thrived as the season went on as a midweek starter and top option out of the bullpen.
     He earned wins against UIC and West Virginia and left with a 4-1 lead against Kent State, all of whom finished with more than 30 victories. A power pitcher, he struck out at least nine batters three times, including a career-high 11 against IUP.
    "I'm excited for Adam to see all of his hard work and dedication to pay off," YSU head coach Rich Pasquale said. "He had some very good outings for us last year, and his record didn't indicate how fine of a job he did.
    "It was a great day for him when he signed, and it was also a good day for our program."
    As a junior, he started 14 games and went 4-4 in his final 11 starts.
    "At YSU I was surrounded by a great group of people, especially my teammates, that were all dedicated to working hard and getting better every day," Kalafos said. "Pitching in the Horizon League and against teams like Georgia Tech, Alabama and West Virginia definitely helped me prepare for this next step."
    The Baltimore, Md., native came to YSU in 2007 after spending two seasons at the Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville.
    Kalafos also had an outstanding summer for the Staunton Braves of the Valley League in 2007, going 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA and 62 strikeouts.
    The Goldeyes are currently in third place in the six-team Northern League. They average a league-high 6,280 fans per game. Baltimore Orioles closer and American League All-Star George Sherrill also pitched for the Goldeyes in 2002-03.