Chris Salamida Assigned to ValleyCats

CONTACT: Steve Mullen (518) 629-8063
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Thursday, June 15, 2006

(From left to right) Hudson Valley Director of Athletics Tom Reinisch, ValleyCats General Manager Rick Murphy, Chris Salamida, and ValleyCats President William Gladstone.

Chris Salamida, a former pitcher/outfielder at Hudson Valley Community College, was officially announced as a member of the Tri-City ValleyCats at a press conference at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium earlier today.

Salamida was selected in the 13th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Houston Astros and is the first Capital Region product to play for the ValleyCats.

"What better than a local boy playing with the local team," said ValleyCats General Manager Rick Murphy. "This is an exciting day for the Chris and his family and an exciting day for the ValleyCats."

Salamida, from Watervliet, played at Hudson Valley in 2003. He was 5-2 with a 4.01 earned run average that season. He also batted .347 with three home runs and 26 RBI.

"I am excited for my first practice, excited to play games and am excited to be an Astro," Salamida said.

Salamida was a First Team All-SUNYAC selection for SUNY Oneonta in 2006. He finished the year 8-2 with a 1.70 earned run average. He struck out 75 batters in 79.1 innings of work.