Many rising seniors spent the summer months completing an internship that they hoped might lead to a future job. They worked hard, tried to impress their supervisors and took every opportunity to show how beneficial they could be as full-time employees.
Michael Joseph '13 was no different. Well, maybe a little bit different. Instead of donning a suit and tie, Joseph opted for his baseball glove and the uniform of the Torrington Titans of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) as he sought to catch the eye of a scout for a shot at a major league contract.
Following 21 relief pitching appearances for the Titans that featured 24.4 innings, 22 strikeouts and an earned runs average of 3.28, Joseph found himself signing a contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 11.
One of the major reasons for his contract offer was his performance during the FCBL Scout Day on July 26, during which he threw a 10-pitch bullpen that attracted scouts from approximately six teams. Suddenly, Joseph was a major league prospect.
"Before the pro day I had no contact with any teams," said Joseph. "After that I had teams calling me and scouts at almost every single one of my games."
He also had the chance to try out at the stadium of his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies.
"Being able to take the field at Citizens Bank Park and throw a bullpen session was an amazing experience for a hometown Phillies fan," said Joseph.
The 6'7'', 215 pound Joseph ended up hitting 93 miles per hour on the radar gun, a number that he hopes to get up closer to 95 mph this fall when he heads to Florida for a five-week instructional league with all of the top Orioles prospects.
Another impressive aspect to Joseph's signing was that the FCBL, having just completed its second year of operation, is comprised of mostly [Division I] athletes and other top prospects. Joseph, however, said he was impressed at how NESCAC baseball compares to the league.
"It was a huge surprise that NESCAC baseball actually stood up really well to Division I competition this summer," said Joseph. "It's a huge testament to the hitting and pitching in the NESCAC."
Joseph plans to take this spring off from classes, as he will join the minor league system of the Orioles, before returning in the fall and graduating in February. This means Joseph will forgo his senior season with the Panthers, a decision that he did not take lightly.
"I'm going to miss Middlebury baseball," said Joseph. "It was one of my best life experiences. This was a very tough decision and it will definitely be hard to be away from the team in the spring."
Joseph aims to keep his eyes on the prize, however, as he makes it very clear what his plans are from here.
"I need to keep improving and getting stronger year by year," said Joseph. "The only reason I'm doing this is to make the big club."
The Orioles could use the help too, as they are down to the wire with the New York Yankees in search of their first AL East title since 1997.
"I've actually started watching Orioles games now," said Joseph. "It's exciting to watch them make a playoff run."
Pitcher Michael Joseph '13 Signs Deal with the Baltimore Orioles
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