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Former Vermont Mountaineer outfielder Darin Mastroianni became the 75th NECBL alumnus to reach the Major Leagues today. The Toronto Blue Jays called up Mastroianni, who batted ninth and played center field, when a roster spot became available due to their recent Aaron Hill and John McDonald trade to Arizona.
The product of Mount Kisco, NY played for Vermont in 2004 and 2005. Mastroianni hit .299 during his first summer in the Green Mountain State. He swiped 20 bases in 21 attempts in 2005, ranking second in the league by just one larceny.
The Blue Jays selected Mastroianni out of Southern Indiana in the 16th round of the 2007 draft. He was an All-Star for the High-A Florida State League in 2009 and the Double-A Eastern League in 2010. Mastroianni had amassed nearly 200 stolen bases in his Minor League career.
Between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Las Vegas this season, Mastroianni hit .266 with 37 extra base hits and 28 steals at the time of his call-up.
Mastroianni becomes the seventh NECBL alum to debut this year. Ryan Lavarnway, an All-Star for the 2007 Manchester Silkworms, debuted with the Boston Red Sox last Thursday August 18th.
Mastroianni's 2005 Mountaineer teammate, then-catcher David Carpenter, ironically debuted on June 30th with the Houston Astros. Carpenter, now a pitcher, has a 3.14 ERA in 20 games.
The NECBL congratulations Mastroianni for "keeping his eye on the dream" and reaching the Big Leagues!
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