Riverdale, N.Y. (January 28, 2008) ? Jasper Baseball alum Nick Derba has been invited to Major League Baseball spring training camp with the St. Louis Cardinals, as announced recently by the parent club.
“I was basically in awe when I found out,” Derba said in a GoJaspers.com interview. Derba found out that he would be playing in the Florida State League in Jupiter, Fla. He will report to camp on February 14, 2008 where he will gain valuable experience.
Fellow Jasper Baseball alum Mike Parisi will also be attending the camp, as he was named to the 40-man roster for the Cardinals. “I am very happy that Mike will be there with me, it certainly makes it easier knowing somebody when you get there.” Derba said about Parisi being at the same camp.
Derba has a .268 averaged while playing in the minors; tallying 60 base hits and 22 RBI's over his career. His .785 on base percentage was among the team's leaders. Derba was recently ranked as the fifth best catcher in the 2007 draft in the 2007 Draft Report Cards Overview, written by Jim Callis and John Manuel of Baseball America
“The club wants me to be a good catch and throw guy,” Derba shared on his expectations of camp.
When asked about it, Head Coach Kevin Leighton said, “Nick deserves this opportunity, he never stops working and is always looking to improve himself. In Pro ball everybody has talent, its guys like Nick that have the work ethic, drive and desire that eventually make it to the big leagues,” said Leighton. “We wish him and all of the other former Jaspers in pro-ball all the best in pursuit of their dreams.”
