A third local baseball player has signed a professional contract.
Former Bristol Eastern and Central Connecticut State University standout Connor Fitzsimons signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Fitzsimons joins Bristol Central product Matt Blandino and Wolcott’s Manny Cruz as professional signees. Blandino and Cruz were both signed by the Cincinnati Reds, and each was assigned to the Arizona League Reds.
I first saw it reported by Mike Church, who is the founder of the Diamond Kings Baseball Academy. Church reported that Fitzsimons was one of the first players to walk through the door at the academy in 2003. Church posted this on Twitter:
“We are so very proud to see Connor sign with the Angels. We wish you the best as you start your pro career!”
Fitzsimons signed with the Angels on Sunday, then was assigned to the Arizona League Angels on Monday. He played in his first game Monday night against the Royals. Fitzsimons hit eighth in the order and went 0-for-4. Fitzsimons grounded out twice and flew out twice.
Fitzsimons has always been known for his defense, and he put his right arm on display when he caught a runner trying to steal second base in the bottom of the fifth inning.