USA – The Evansville Otters have announced the signing of 6′3″ infielder Matthew Pulley of Woodland, California.

A 12th round draft choice of Baltimore from Woodland High School in 2003, Pulley spent five seasons playing three positions in the Orioles’ minor league system.

In 2003, his first season, Pulley played third base in 48 games with 178 at-bats in the Gulf Coast League. He compiled a .275 batting average with 49 hits, two home runs, and 28 RBIs.

Pulley played third base for the Bluefield Orioles rookie team in 2004, earning team MVP honors. In 62 games with 225 at-bats, his average dipped to .260. However, his hits increased to 57 along with three home runs, and his slugging average remained constant at .382.

Pulley was promoted to low Class A Aberdeen in 2005, appearing in 40 games at third base with 130 at-bats and driving in seven runs. In 2006 he switched to catcher for the IronBirds. His batting average reached a minor league career high at .286 in 16 games with an on-base percentage of .352.

Pulley played in one game for the Class AA Bowie Baysox in 2007 before Baltimore sent him to Frederick, its high Class A team in the Carolina League. He played in 22 games as a catcher with 66 at-bats, hitting .215 with 13 hits, four runs scored, and six RBIs.

The Evansville Otters are members of the Frontier League 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 17th season this summer. The Otters will begin their 15th season at 7:05 p.m. May 22 vs. Southern Illinois.

Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling (812) 435-8686. Fans can also visit the Otters website at www.evansvilleotters.com.

Courtesy of the Evansville Otters

Tags: Independent League