June 24, 2011
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Tony Rossi's pipeline of former players turned pro added another member to that exclusive club today. Senior catcher Kevin Quaranto has inked a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and has been assigned to their Gulf Coast League team in Clearwater, Fla.
The 35th player in program history to sign a pro contract, Quaranto arrived in Clearwater Thursday night and signed his contract with the Phillies' Rookie League affiliate this morning. He is currently traveling with the team for their 12 noon game today at the Yankees' Gulf Coast League affiliate.
"It's a dream come true," Quaranto said in an interview earlier with the Worcester Telegram. "It was one of those things I've wanted for so long because playing baseball is something I've always loved to do."
A native of Hopkinton, Mass., Quaranto hit .283 with three home runs and 38 RBI while posting team highs of 12 doubles, 39 walks and a .452 on-base percentage in leading the Saints to the MAAC Championship Game this spring.
One of the most decorated players in program history, Quaranto recently concluded his career ranking as the program's all-time leader with 66 doubles. He also ranks second all-time in extra base hits (96), walks (124) and hit by pitch (46) and is third all-time in both hits (240) and RBI (155).
"I'm extremely excited and happy for him," said Rossi. "He is one of the hardest workers we have ever had and this is something he deserved."
Quaranto joins former teammate Dan Paolini as the second Saint to sign a pro baseball contract this summer. Paolini was drafted in the 10th round of Major League Baseball's First Year Player Draft earlier this month and has since signed with the Seattle Mariners.
