TAMPA -- Former Barry University baseball player Charley Short has been traded from the Roswell Invaders of the Independent Pecos League to the New York Yankees.
The right-hander has made a name for himself this summer, appearing in 12 games out of the bullpen for the Invaders. In 15 innings of work, Short amassed 28 strikeouts while only allowing one walk. He was the team’s most productive pitcher in relief with a 1-0 record, six saves and a 0.60 earned run average. Short was recently elected to the All-Star game, where he tossed a scoreless inning and picked up a strikeout in the ninth inning of an 11-7 victory.
When asked about making the move to Major League Baseball, the 23-year-old right-hander from Miami said, “It’s a dream come true. Being able to play baseball, No. 1, is a dream come true. I’m so blessed to get picked up by an affiliated ball club, but especially the Yankees. Words escape me.”
Pecos League commissioner Andrew Dunn had been negotiating with the New York team for about two weeks, and after those negotiations bore fruit, Dunn was also pleased.
“We’re very happy to send him to the Yankees, and it’s great for the team and the league,” Dunn said. “Not always do these guys get signed, but any chance we get to get a guy moved, especially with an organization like the Yankees, we jump at it.”
Barry University head coach Marc Pavao was excited to hear of yet another former Buccaneer experiencing such tremendous success at the professional level.
“It’s a great story,” Pavao said. “I was surprised that he wasn’t drafted after his senior year. To be out of the game for two years, and then pick up and do what he’s done is amazing. I’m happy for Charley. He deserves an opportunity.”
Short will report to the Yankees facility in Tampa on Monday, and will be assigned to a minor league affiliate.
“I think they’re going to evaluate and see where I fit best with the organization,” he said.