CLEARWATER, Fla. - West Chester University recent graduate Bob Stumpo was called up to the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League on July 4. Stumpo, a 33rd round selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in last month’s MLB First-Year Entry Draft, played just four games in the Gulf Coast Rookie League for the GCL Phillies before getting the promotion.
Stumpo hit .333 (2-for-6) with a double and a pair of RBI in his short stint in rookie ball. He has found the jump to High-A ball a bit more difficult, failing to get a hit in his first six at bats while starting behind the plate for the Threshers in each of their last two games. He has caught one base stealer in his two games with the Threshers.
The switch-hitting catcher did not have to travel for the call up as the Threshers and the GCL Phillies share the facilities at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. On days that the two clubs each have a home contest, the GCL Phillies play at noon with the Clearwater Threshers following in the evening at 7 p.m.
Stumpo joins former West Chester University teammate and 2007 graduate, Frank Gailey, in the Florida State League. Gailey is currently a left-handed middle relief pitcher for the Dunedin Blue Jays. Both Clearwater and Dunedin compete in the FSL North Division. Dunedin was the division winner in the first half of the season.
Gailey is 5-3 on the year with a 2.26 ERA in 29 appearances. He has walked seven batters and struck out 58 in just over 51 innings of work. He has surrendered 46 hits and owns a 1.03 WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched). He is in his fourth minor league campaign and first with Dunedin.
Dunedin is scheduled to travel to Clearwater Aug. 21-23 for its only three remaining games against the Threshers in 2010. It would be the first meeting between Stumpo and Gailey should the pair remain with their current clubs up to that point. Stumpo and Gailey were teammates at West Chester University for one season (2007).