Ben Davis and Chris Fussell, Formerly of the Camden Riversharks, Earn Minor League Deals with Major League Clubs

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – CAMDEN, NJ- The Camden Riversharks are proud to announce that catcher Ben Davis and closer Chris Fussell have both signed minor league contracts with major league baseball. Last season, both players split time between the Riversharks and the Las Vegas 51s, the AAA Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate.

Davis, 30, is a Malvern, Penn., native. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles and will report to Spring Training to compete for a big league position. In 1995, Davis was a first round pick for the San Diego Padres. He spent seven seasons in the majors since with the Padres, Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox.

Davis signed with the Riversharks last season after being cut by the New York Yankees during the final weeks of Spring Training. He hit .218 in 36 games for the 51s after batting .331 in Camden.

Fussell, 31, was resigned by the Dodgers and is expected to return to the 51s this season. He was a ninth-round pick in the 1994 draft by the Orioles and spent three seasons in the majors with the Orioles and Kansas City Royals. Fussell was on the major league roster and pitching when Cal Ripken Jr. ended his consecutive games played record in 1998 with Baltimore.

Fussell led the Atlantic League with 17 saves in 22 appearances with a 1.23 ERA and 22 strikeouts last season—his third with the Riversharks. He posted a 6.39 ERA in 24 appearances for the 51s.

David Keller, Riversharks Director of Baseball Operations, congratulated both players on their success.

“Chris and Ben were key contributors to the Riversharks organization on and off the field,” Keller said. “We couldn’t be more excited about their future opportunities and wish them the best when they report to camp next month.”

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Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 01:34PM by