Former Rails Players Invited to Independent League Spring Training
This past summer concluded the college baseball careers of two Rails players, Steven Ball (Blacksburg, VA) and DJ Russ (Greensboro, NC). However, both will get the chance to play at the professional level with the Roswell Invaders of the Pecos League in Roswell, New Mexico. They have been invited to the team’s spring training which starts March 9th through March 25th.
Steven, the Rails closer the last two summers, led the Rails and the Carolina Virginia Collegiate League in saves with 18 in 20 opportunities, amassing 46 strikeouts in 32.2 innings pitched. Ball had a miniscule 2.65 ERA over his two seasons in Roanoke, and was nominated both years to play in the CVCL All-Star Game. Steven was also voted the MVP of the 2013 season for the Rails.
Russ, infielder, designated hitter, and relief pitcher had a batting average of .280 over his three seasons with the Rails. DJ is the all-time leader in doubles, RBI’s (45) and games played (81) during his three years with the Roanoke Rails. Russ, a relief knuckleball pitcher, amassed 11 strikeouts in 16 innings of work over his 3 seasons. DJ was a two time CVCL All-Star and a twice named to the CVCL All-Tournament Team.
In 2013, both Ball and Russ were selected by the CVCL to play in an exhibition game versus Team USA before they made their trip to Japan. “I am thrilled to see both of these players get the shot to play at the professional level. They have worked hard to throughout their careers to achieve this opportunity. Trying to replace guys like Steven and DJ in our organization will be tough. Steven has left some pretty big shoes to fill as our team’s closer and the vocal leader of our pitching staff. His physical presence on the mound, late in the game helped seal the win many times for the Rails the last two years. DJ has been everything you’d want in a teammate because he would play anywhere we needed him. He was steady at the plate and had a knack for producing clutch hits in the late innings of games. Both of these guys will be missed by the Roanoke Rails, “ said Head Coach Jeremy Sink.
Good luck and best wishes to Steven and DJ!