Right Handed Pitcher Taso Stathopoulos Signs With Wild Things, Joins Second Frontier League Team
WASHINGTON, Pa. (Oct. 19) - The Wild Things announced today that the team has come to terms with right-handed pitcher Taso Stathopoulos. Stathopoulous, in signing with Washington, will join his second Frontier League team, after starting his pro career in 2018 with the Gateway Grizzlies.
In 12 games, 11 of which were starts, with the Grizzlies, the Flushing, New York, native logged 61 innings and 48 strikeouts. His first pro contract came on the heels of a successful four-year career at the University of Rhode Island.
The former St. Francis Prep High School standout pitched his way to a 3.03 career ERA at Rhode Island, pitching in 39 games (15 starts) over the course of his career with the Rams. Stathopoulos pitched 103.1 innings and fanned 77 opposing batters while walking only 35. He allowed just two home runs, and had a 6-3 record in the four seasons.
“Though we never got to face Taso during his time with Gateway, we constantly saw notes about his outings. We were impressed by his string of quality starts despite the challenges of pitching in the West Division ballparks," said assistant general manager of baseball operations Tony Buccilli. "Taso has a pitching mentality that aligns with our core values and we believe our catchers can refine his impact professionally. We see a ton of potential from his time at Rhode Island and with the Grizzlies, so hopefully we can tap into that upside and he can be a difference maker in 2019.”
Stathopoulos said the process of signing with the Wild Things was simple.
"Once I received interest and an offer from the Wild Things, it wasn’t hard for me to say yes. I am definitely looking forward to pitch for the Wild Things organization," said Stathopoulos. "I could not be more excited for this opportunity. Since I signed in the middle of the season this past season, Washington is the only field I have yet to play at so I am very interested to see how that atmosphere will be like. I look forward to help continue the success this next season."
The right hander said the biggest difference between the college game and his first taste of pro ball had to do with the competition, citing better lineups and the speed of the game.
He said some of the goals he has for 2019 involve being an all-star caliber player and to get signed by an affiliated organization. As for what he is on the mound, he said he loves competing and attacking hitters.
"I enjoy competing on the mound every game and especially in big situations," said Stathopoulos.
The Wild Things open the season Thursday, May 9 at River City, with the home opener slated for Friday, May 17 at Wild Things Park.
