by Baseball Australia
Seventeen-year-old New South Wales Native, James Philibossian, has signed with the MLB franchise Detroit Tigers.
Philibossian, an infielder from the Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association, was also a member of the U18 NSW side that won the 2013 National Youth Championships.
With his exceptional play in the field and several strong plate appearances, Philibossian was vital in propelling the NSW team to its fourth consecutive U18 title.
New South Wales High Performance Manager and Detroit Tigers scout Glenn Williams was excited about the news of Philibossian’s signing, “James has worked extremely hard over the last three years and has shown consistent improvement in his game. His work ethic and love of baseball is something that will be of huge benefit for him as he progresses through the minor leagues,” Williams said.
“Signing with the Tigers is pretty exciting. It’s a team I feel really comfortable with and I’m excited to head over to Lakeland in April to get on the field and get a taste of what professional baseball is like,” Philibossian said, “I know it is going to be hard work but I’m glad I have the opportunity and I’m keen to work hard and do everything I can to get to the Major Leagues.”
The Cronulla junior will join teammate and fellow Tiger Zac Shepherd in extended spring training in Lakeland, Florida for the April school holidays before returning to Sydney to finish year 12. Both players will start their professional careers with the Tigers in spring of 2014.
