June 20, 2006

On Monday night, Mike McBryde became the first of three 2006 draftees to begin his professional career. McBryde debuted with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes as the starting centerfielder and went 1-for-6 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Pitcher Mike Crotta will play for the Williamsport Crosscutters while shortstop Alex Fonseca signed with the Arizona Angels.

In the fifth round of the MLB draft, McBryde (N. Palm Beach, FL) was selected by the San Francisco Giants. He made his debut in front of a sold out crowd at Avista Stadium in a Northwest League game.

The Crosscutters open the season tonight at State College. Crotta (Palm City, FL) was a 17th round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates and will see action in the New York-Penn League.

A senior from Tallahassee, FL, Fonseca was a 36th round pick of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and will head to the Arizona League to play for the Arizona Angels.

Other former FAU players currently playing pro ball are Randy Beam (Portland Sea Dogs), L.J. Biernbaum (Camden Riversharks), Rusty Brown (High Desert Mavericks), Carmen Cali (Memphis Redbirds), Danny Core (Dunedin Blue Jays), Jeff Fiorentino (Bowie Baysox), Tim Harikkala (Samsung Lions), Nick Mattioni (Reading Phillies), Tim McNab (Binghamton Mets), Todd Moser (Somerset Patriots), Tommy Murphy (Salt Lake Bees), Matt O'Brien (Oneonta Tigers), Matt Pali (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes).