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NEWARK, NJ—Mike Rampone, who starred for the NJIT baseball program for four seasons ending in 2015, has signed a professional contract for 2016 with the Tucson Saguaros, a first-year team in the Pecos League.
Rampone, whose baseball style shows traces of the football/wrestling star he was in high school, ended his career with 197 games played and 197 games started, both school records.
"He's very deserving of signing a professional contract," said NJIT coach
Brian Guiliana. "He is the true definition of a gamer and will continue to make strides towards fulfilling his dream. I am very grateful that the Tucson Saguaros are giving him this opportunity."
Rampone's career-best .317 average as a senior left him with a .295 career average in 753 college at-bats. His 222 career hits are a school record and he also scored 130 runs and hit 47 doubles, three triples and nine home runs, while producing 102 RBI. With 87 career walks and 16 hit-by-pitch, his on-base percentage was an impressive .377.
"I feel very grateful that I am in a position where I am able to continue playing baseball," said Ramapone on the day of his signing, who will report into preseason in March.
A graduate of Randolph High School, Rampone brought a championship background in three high school sports with him to NJIT, including the
Star Ledger's all-State third-team honors in all three groups. He was also named first-team All-State in Group 4, first-team All-Morris and first-team All-Daily Record, batting .500 with five home runs and 31 RBI as a senior, while, posting a 2.23 ERA in 11 mound appearances.
"I want to thank my family, my teammates and coaches for everything they've done for me throughout my career," said the Highlander on the eve of his professional career. "I'm excited to get out there and show people what I can do."
The Pecos League, an independent minor league, begins its sixth season of operation with 10 teams, ranging from Tucson, Arizona in the West to Topeka, Kansas, in the East.
The Pecos League will have teams in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado. Two teams were added this year. Joining Tucson as a newcomer will be the Salina (Kansas) Stockade.
Tucson will be in the Southern Division, along with Santa Fe (NM), White Sands (NM), Las Cruces (NM), Alpine (TX), and Trinidad (CO).
