Brett Frantini
Former Northern Illinois catcher Brett Frantini (2009-2012) signed a contract Aug. 17 with the Baltimore Orioles Rookie League affiliate and reported Tuesday, Aug. 21, to the Gulf Coast League Orioles in Sarasota, Fla.
“It’s great news for Brett and his family,” said head coach Ed Mathey.
“I know that this is something he had a dream of doing and he worked hard to reach his goal. He was a good player in our program and we’re happy to have another Huskie playing Major League affiliated baseball. We wish him nothing but the best.”
A native of Minooka, Ill., Frantini traveled to Florida following the end of the 2012 season where he trained to get picked up by a team, working out with with former major leaguer and two-time World Series Champion Scott Spiezio, a native of Joliet, Ill.
Since signing the free-agent deal, Frantini has played in two games with the Orioles with four at-bats. The team has three games remaining in its 2012 season, closing its season Saturday against the Gulf Coast League Rays.
Frantini is one of three Huskies currently playing in Major League Baseball’s farm system, joining 2009 Baltimore Orioles draftee (16th round) Bobby Stevens, currently with the Mississippi Braves, Atlanta’s AA affiliate, and Jake Hermsen, a Los Angeles Dodgers 2012 draftee and Ogden Raptors pitcher.
For more information on NIU baseball and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
