Panthers Sign Experienced Local Pitcher
The Kitchener Panthers are excited to announce the signing of pitcher, Jose Vasquez (Cambridge, ON), for the 2023 season.
The 6’5, 220 pound righty joins the Panthers after having spent the last two seasons playing professionally in the American Association and in the Frontier League. Across two seasons with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association, Jose tossed 44.2 innings, picking up 47 strikeouts and walking only 9 batters.
Jose began his college career pitching for NJCAA D1 Grayson College, where he had an outstanding sophomore season, going 5 and 0 with a 1.80 ERA. He then transferred to NCAA D1 Northwestern State where he recorded an 8 and 4 record with a 4.18 ERA with 6 saves over two seasons. He picked up 56 strikeouts to just 18 walks over 60.1 innings pitched.
A talented athlete, Jose is also a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.
This will be Jose’s second season in the IBL as he competed for the Brantford Red Sox as a 19 year old in 2016, recording a 4.02 ERA across 7 appearances.
Vasquez’s ability to relieve and start games brings much needed versatility to the pitching staff and his D1 and professional experience should make him a valuable presence in the clubhouse. There is high hopes for what the local arm can contribute to the Panthers’ revamped roster in 2023.
This signing signals the return of yet another top talent from the region returning home to contribute to the Panthers’ rich baseball history.
Keep your eyes out over the coming days for two exciting announcements. We have another talented local pitcher with US collegiate success to announce the signing of and a Season Ticket contest that fans aren’t going to want to miss out on!