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Norwich Sea Unicorns Pitcher Jayvien Sandridge Signs With Cincinnati Reds

NORWICH, Conn. (June 10, 2021) -- The Norwich Sea Unicorns are proud to announce that pitcher Jayvien Sandridge has signed with the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the first player to ink a professional contract during the team’s Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) tenure.

The 6’5” lefty from Hagerstown, MD most recently pitched for Lynn University in the Sunshine State Conference. Sandridge will report to the Reds minor league complex in Goodyear, AZ.

“We’re thrilled that Jayvien is moving on to join the Cincinnati Reds organization and look forward to watching his progression as a professional,” says Dave Schermerhorn, Sea Unicorns General Manager. “Having a talent like Jayvien with us here in Norwich exemplifies the high quality level of baseball that the FCBL showcases and we are happy that he was with us for this step in his career.”

“Jayvien is a great mature young man and came in here with tremendous potential for a bright baseball career,” says Devin Belenski, Sea Unicorns Manager. “Although his stay was short, it was very worthwhile for the Sea Unicorns and Jayvien. There is a lot he brought to our team and a lot we brought to him to introduce each other to both the college and professional brands of baseball. He’s going to have a great career with the Reds and wherever he goes in his future and our entire team wishes him the best as our first Sea Unicorn to sign a contract.”

Sandridge made four appearances for Lynn in 2021 prior to arriving in Norwich this summer. He posted a 3.12 ERA and six strikeouts in 8.2 innings.

Founded in 2011, the FCBL has quickly established itself as one of the top collegiate summer leagues in the country. Over 200 FCBL alumni have been drafted by or signed with Major League Baseball organizations since the league’s inception and will add to that number in just over a month’s time when the MLB First-Year Player Draft commences.

The league has sent six players all the way to “The Show,” including three during the 2021 season so far. Former FCBL All-Star shortstop Jason Vosler, a Northeastern University and Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide product, became the latest to join that list with the San Francisco Giants back in April.

Last summer, two members of the New Britain Bees’ initial 2020 roster signed professionally before their first FCBL season even began. Outfielder Matt Chamberlain (New Haven) signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, while infielder Jake McKenzie (Fordham) joined the Boston Red Sox organization. 

Portions of this press release courtesy of the Norwich Sea Unicorns