STATE COLLEGE, PA - Former Saint Peter's College baseball player Santo Maertz has been selected to play in the 2009 New York-Penn League All-Star Game.
The right-handed pitcher and member of the Saint Peter's College Class of 2008 was one of three players selected to represent the Batavia Muckdogs, short-season minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Maertz will be a member of the host National League squad when the game is held on Tuesday, August 18th at 7:15pm in State College, PA at Medlar Field.
"Santo Maertz continues to set a fine example for Saint Peter's current student-athletes," stated Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott. "He represents to each of them the opportunities that hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the playing fields can create."
Maertz is in his second professional season with the Cardinals organization, his first for Batavia. He is 2-0 with two saves and a 1.21 ERA in 19 appearances for the Muckdogs so far this season. He has allowed only 10 hits and three earned runs, while striking out 25 and walking only eight.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement for Maertz is that he has not lost a game in 36 appearances spanning two professional seasons. "Santo has always been a hard worker and his success is well-deserved," Peacocks head coach Derek England said. "His Saint Peter's baseball family is very proud of him and continues to wish him well in his professional baseball career."
All-Star day festivities include a Celebrity Home Run Derby before the game and a spectacular post-game fireworks display afterwards. Tickets for the 2009 New York Penn-League All-Star Game are still available, and can be purchased by calling the Spikes' ticket office toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES, or by logging on to StateCollegeSpikes.com.
