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In the game
Jumbo hurler signed by Boston Red Sox A lot has happened in Randy Newsom’s life in the past six weeks. He received his B.A. in economics from Tufts on May 23. On June 17, the Boston Red Sox signed Newsom, a star pitcher on the Jumbo baseball team, to a free agent contract. The next day he flew first class to Fort Myers, Fla., where he is now pitching in the Gulf Coast Rookie League. After signing the contract in the lobby of his hotel, meeting members of the coaching staff and passing a physical, he got busy pitching. In his first professional appearance on June 24, Newsom pitched three innings to earn a save while finishing up a 14-1 Red Sox victory over the Twins. He allowed four hits, one run and struck out two.
The experience has been a dream come true so far, Newsom said in a telephone interview from Fort Myers. To play pro ball is really something special, especially coming from Tufts, a Division III school, he said. “The Red Sox really think I can be a contributor,” he said. “They look at me as a prospect, not just someone to fill out the roster.” A 6-foot, 2-inch, 200-pound right-hander, Newsom had an outstanding pitching career at Tufts. On June 23, he was named to the ECAC New England Division III Second Team as a final recognition of his strong senior season. Along with leading the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) in strikeouts with 57, Newsom posted a 6-1 record and 3.10 ERA. He was also selected All-NESCAC First Team and All-New England Second Team. During his Tufts career, Newsom compiled an 18-7 record. He pitched in more games (48) during his career at Tufts than all but one other Jumbo. With 165 strike outs in 209.1 innings pitched, Newsom is in the top five for both categories. His five saves as a junior is tied for second on the team’s all-time single-season list. Newsom has already pitched in Fenway Park, throwing a scoreless second inning at the New England College Baseball All-Star game on May 30. Paul Sweeney is Tufts’ sports information director. |
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