After seven seasons in the Can-Am League, Chris Colabello got his chance in affiliated ball in 2012. The Minnesota Twins purchased his contract from the Worcester Tornadoes and sent him to Double-A New Britain. Just a year later, Colabello is on his way to the Major Leagues, as Minnesota has called up the former Can-Am star.
Colabello, long in the tooth at 29-years-old, spent most of his Can-Am years with Worcester and a portion with the Nashua Pride, where making his mark all over the league record books. The Assumption College product is tops in Can-Am history in career hits (699), runs (387), doubles (166) and RBI (420). He also sits second in the league for career home runs (86). But, Colabello’s accolades do not stop at career marks. He also has the most doubles in a Can-Am season (34; 2008), RBI in a game (10; May 29, 2007) and extra-base hits in a season (52; 2011).
The Framingham, Mass native had his best Independent League season in 2011. In addition to his league record for extra-base hits, Colabello hit .345, slugged a career-high 20 home runs and drove in 98 runs. Colabello’s exploits that season earned him the honor of the Baseball America Independent League Player of the Year.
Colabello continued his success in his first season with the Twins’ organization. He hit .284 with 19 home runs and 98 RBI with the New Britain Rock Cats. Again, Colabello’s performance was rewarded. This time, he was selected to play for Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
After the WBC, Colabello went right back to work. He was promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, where he hit .358 with 12 home runs and 29 RBI over 46 games. The Twins noticed Colabello’s early-season efforts. Minnesota promoted Colabello to the big league club earlier today. He will make his Major League debut this afternoon, playing right field and batting sixth, as the Twins visit the Atlanta Braves at 12:10 p.m. EST.
CAN-AM LEAGUE’S ALL-TIME GREATEST PLAYER CALLED UP TO TWINS added by dskriloff on
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