July 15, 2008

Williamsburg, Ky. -- Former University of the Cumberlands baseball player Javier Gali-Rodriguez has signed a professional contract with the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs of the Continental Baseball League. 

The Continental Baseball League was founded in 2006 and played its inaugural season May-August 2007. Franchises for 2008 include defending 2007 champions McKinney Blue Thunder; Bay Area Toros and Texarkana Gunslingers. CBL players are given the opportunity to improve their skills, expose and parlay their unique baseball talents to scouts; and if they desire and qualify, move into positions with Major League Baseball affiliated organizations.

Javi was a two year starter for the Patriots at third base.  During his career at the University of the Cumberlands, he was named Mid-South All Conference and Mid-South All Conference Honorable Mention.  He hit .336 with 19 Homeruns and 99 RBI.  He played in 111 games tallying 125 hits and scoring 87 runs.  

Patriot Head Baseball Coach Brad Shelton said, "I am very happy for Javi.  He was a great player for us and a good teammate.  This is a dream for most players and it couldn't happen to a better person.  I wish him the best.  Independent Professional Baseball is a tough road, but he will have an opportunity to show Major League Organizations what he can do and hopefully have a chance to land in affiliated baseball.  Corpus Christi's general manager said that Javi will have a chance to catch and play the infield.  Several Major League scouts liked Javi as a catcher, but we needed him at third base.  This will give him a chance to be a catcher in pro ball and prove himself.  I believe he will do well."

The Patriots ended 2008 with an overall record of 43-16 and a 17-2 record in the Mid-South Conference.

To follow Gali-Rodriguez and to learn more about the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs visit www.ccbeachdawgs.com.