One of the top pitchers in the German League the past four seasons, American right-hander Eddie Aucoin will be showcasing his skills in the Dutch Major League in 2010 with the Konica Minolta Pioniers.

The Massachusetts native compiled a 31-14 record with a 1.66 ERA in four seasons in Germany. However, after going 16-10 with non-playoff teams in Gauting (2006) and Haar (2007), Aucoin went 15-4 with a 0.97 ERA the next two seasons with championship-caliber clubs Mannheim (2008) and Regensburg (2009).

A strikeout artist who played professional fastpitch softball from 1999-2001, Aucoin struck out 363 batters while issuing just 27 free passes in 329 innings during his stint in the German League. He tossed a no-hitter against the Saarlouis Hornets this past season with a pair of hit by pitches costing the talented hurler a Perfect Game.

The 35-year-old, who pitched for the Swedish club Oskarshamn BSK in 2002, also enjoyed a stellar minor league career. He posted a Northeast League-best 1.46 ERA to win the 2003 Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award while pitching for the Berkshire Black Bears, and went 5-0 in the Columbian Winter League that same year to earn Most Valuable Pitcher honors.

Aucoin signed a professional minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after going a combined 12-1 with three saves in the Northern League for the St. Paul Saints (2004) and the Brocton Rox (2005). But due to a knee injury, he was released during spring training.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER AT A GLANCE:

1998 – Waterbury Spirit, Northeast League
1999 – Fastpitch Softball
2000 – Fastpitch Softball
2001 – Fastpitch Softball
2002 – Oskarshamn BSK, Swedish League
2003 – Berkshire Black Bears, Northeast League
2003 – Cartagena Leones, Colombian Winter League
2004 – St. Paul Saints, Northern League
2005 – Brockton Rox, Northern League
2006 – Gauting Indians, German League
2007 – Haar Disciples, German League
2008 – Mannheim Tornados, German League
2009 – Regensburg Legionäre, German League
2010 – Konica Minolta Pioniers, Dutch League

BaseballdeWorld will be spotlighting a different American Import daily during the winter months and will publish the first annual American Import Free Agent Directory on Sunday, November 29. American players interested in playing overseas next season, and possess collegiate or minor league experience, can click here to be included in this special section at no cost.

Photo courtesy of the Regensburg Legionaere

Tags: American Import Spotlight