RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Manhattan College alumnus Nick Derba '07 has been promoted to the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Derba started his second season with the Palm Beach Cardinals of the Florida State League before receiving the promotion. He is the second former Jasper to be promoted in the minor league ranks in the last week as Chris Cody '06 received his new assignment to play with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds of the Milwaukee Brewers system.
Derba, a catcher from College Point, N.Y., was selected in the 2007 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2008, Derba recorded 22 RBI, scored 15 runs and hit two home runs over 66 games in Palm Beach. Derba played 30 games with Palm Beach in 2009 before getting the call up.
Derba completed his four year career in Riverdale as the Jaspers' all-time leader in runs scored (172). He still ranks in the top-10 for career home runs (3rd ? 26), hits (4th ? 212), RBI (6th - 129) and doubles (9th ? 36). Also known for his defensive catching skills and leadership, Derba helped guide Manhattan to the program's first MAAC Championship in 2006 and the NCAA Tournament Regional Finals.
