LINCOLN –The Saltdogs added another valuable arm to their relief corps, signing hard-throwing RHP Pete Parise Monday.
Parise went 15-8 with a 3.77 ERA over five seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. The Bronx, N.Y. native posted a 3.97 ERA in 40 games for Triple-A Memphis (Pacific Coast League) last season, where he has pitched since 2009.
In his debut campaign at minor league baseball’s highest level, Parise booked eight saves and struck out 31 batters in 36 2/3 innings, earning Redbirds reliever of the year honors after helping lead the club to a Pacific Coast League championship.
Parise pitched for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2010 Caribbean Series, garnering All-Tournament team honors. Puerto Rico finished in second place that year, behind the Dominican Republic.
The 27-year old has shown a knack for the endgame, tallying 26 saves – including a career-high 13 in 2008 – and finishing 74 of the 181 career contests in which he has appeared.
Parise played collegiately at University of Pittsburgh, primarily as an outfielder. He began his professional career as a pitcher with Slippery Rock (Independent, Frontier League) before being signed by St. Louis after six appearances.
The Saltdogs open the 2012 campaign May 17 at Wichita with the home opener at Haymarket Park May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five lower-box tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.