Two Jaspers Going Pro

As the 2016-2017 school year came to a close, a bright and shiny future was underway for a couple of former Manhattan Jasper baseball players.

Tommy Cosgrove, a left handed pitcher, and Jose Carrera, a shortstop, both hung up their Jasper jerseys, replacing them with professional uniforms.

Cosgrove was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round at pick number 238, while Carrera went un-drafted, later signing with the New York Yankees.

Carrera expressed his gratitude for being signed on his own personal Instagram account.

“Still feel like I’m still sleeping at home dreaming about all of this,” said Carrera. “It’s truly been a blessing in the sky. I can’t say thanks enough to all the people that have come into my life, given me the opportunity to continue playing this game at a college level, and have believed in me since the first time they saw me out there playing on the diamond.”

Like Carrera, Cosgrove also shared his excitement via Instagram.

“Pumped about the opportunity the San Diego Padres have given me to further my career on the mound,” wrote Cosgrove. “Thanks to the greatest teammates and coaches in the world for bringing the best out of me. And thanks to my supporters over the years, you know who you are.”

In similar fashion, the new Yankee continued to thank his supporters for helping make his dream a reality.

“The woman that made this dream possible by raising me to always put your heart and destination to something you love and to work harder than everyone around you,” wrote Carrera. “Always there at my highest moment and as well as my lowest my truly #1 fan, my best friend, and my ALL. I love you dearly to the moon and back MOM.”

As it stands currently, both former Jaspers have found their way to the Padres and Yankees Minor League systems, respectfully.

Cosgrove brought his talents to the Tri-City Dust Devils, while Carrera is suiting up for the GCL Yankees East.

Cosgrove has since logged 35.1 innings on the professional mound, winning one game and losing three with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.82.

In addition, the left-hander is averaging just about one strikeout per innings pitched.

Carrera, too, has hit the ground running.

In 37 games played, the shortstop is hitting .297 with 9 RBI’s, 3 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and even a home run to right center.

“Got my first home run out of the way, now back to hitting singles and stealing bases,” Carrera wrote on Instagram.

All stats were gathered from the official website of Minor League Baseball, milb.com.

As reported by the Baseball Almanac, Cosgrove and Carrera are the 29th and 30th Manhattan College Baseball Players to reach the pros. In the lot also includes Tom O’Hera, who became a professional in 1906, and Mike Parisi, who debuted his career much more recently in 2008.

All and all, the young players (Cosgrove, 21, and Carrera, 22) are stoked for all that awaits them.

Carrera, however, will be staying local as he wears the famous pinstripes of the Bronx.

“Hard work at the end always pays off, it really does,” Carrera wrote. “Don’t ever stop believing, God always has a plan for all of us. Excited to say that I’m a YANKEE!!”