News

‘One of the Best Moments of My Life’: New Canaan’s Casali Promoted to the Major Leagues

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Curt Casali’s dream of becoming a major league baseball player that began here in New Canaan became a reality Thursday when the Tampa Bay Rays promoted him from Triple-A to the big leagues. Casali’s call-up came after the Rays placed starting catcher Ryan Hanigan on the disabled list with a strained oblique. And although the promotion came as no surprise to many in the baseball world, the 2007 New Canaan High School grad never saw it coming. “Shock and awe were the emotions when I first found out,” Casali told NewCanaanite.com. “I’m so excited and thankful for the opportunity, and grateful to the Rays organization.”

If Casali continues to perform like he has in the minors, the Rays will be the grateful ones.

Sports

New Canaan’s Casali Invited to Tampa Bay Rays’ Spring Training

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NEW CANAAN – Former New Canaan High School baseball star and current Tampa Bay Rays catching prospect Curt Casali is one of 11 minor league players invited to the Rays’ 2014 spring training camp. Casali – a 10th Round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2011 after starring for Vanderbilt – was traded to the Rays just before the 2013 season began, and made an immediate impact with his new team. After being named an All Star with the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League, Casali was promoted to the Rays’ AA Affiliate in Montgomery. Splitting time between catcher and DH, Casali hit .383 for the Biscuits with 5 home runs and 31 RBI in just 35 games. He is one of three minor league non-roster invitees to the camp, which will open February 15.