Jacob Raffaele signs minor league contract with Intercounty Baseball League, London Majors

First time on the mound. Former Bearcat Pitcher Earns Save in Minor League Debut

It did not take former, Bearcat Jacob Raffaele long to find out if what he wanted was what he bargained for with his first appearance for the London Majors in Canada's, Intercounty Baseball League. With the lead going into the eighth inning against the undefeated, league leading Brantford Red Sox, Raffaele debuted by entering the 8th inning and finishing the ninth earning the save and a 6-4 win for the Majors.

After arriving late to miss the first couple of games for the Majors, Raffaele arrived in time to complete one practice with the Majors and attend the home opener last Friday. The Majors must have liked what they saw because he quickly was inserted against the five time, consecutive defending league champions, Red Sox with a 5-2 lead going into the eighth inning. Throwing 27 pitches, 17 for strikes and scattering 4 singles over two innings, Raffaele allowed 1 earned run with no walks evening the Majors record to 2-2. "I was nervous as all get out with a new team, new surroundings and facing the best team in the IBL, but I know I can pitch against anyone if I pitch ahead, locate down and change speeds," Raffaele stated. The former Bearcat is schedule to be given a start next week for the Majors. Raffaele commented, "I do not care where or when the coaching staff pitches me, I just want a chance and compete to help our team win ballgames."

Canada's Intercounty Baseball Minor League is rich in history, dating back over 90 years. The IBL has been in existence longer than the NFL or NBA. Today, the IBL fields eight teams throughout Southern Ontario showcasing some of the top independent minor league talent. The London Majors were founded in 1925, and are based in London, Ontario. They play their home games at the 5,200 seat Labatt Memorial Park. The Majors are nine time IBL Champions.

To date, Jacob has appeared in 6 games, has a 2-0 record, 1 start, 3.30 ERA, 1 save, 16.1 innings pitched, 13 strike-outs, and 5 walks.  Jacob's 13 strike-outs is good for 3rd on the team.  The London Majors are currently 11-6, good for 4.5 games back from first place.

You can follow Jacob and the London Majors by clicking on the link below:

http://londonmajors.pointstreaksites.com/view/londonmajors/home-page-281

Good luck to Jacob and his professional career.

Go Cats!!
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