BROCKTON, Mass. (December 21, 2022) -- The Brockton Rox have Boston buzzing once again with the latest announcement to their 2023 season roster, signing catcher Marika Lyszczyk to become the first female player in the history of both the franchise and the entire Futures League.
Lyszczyk, who became the first female catcher in NCAA baseball in 2020, is currently playing for the Sonoma State University (Calif.) Seawolves men’s baseball team. She will bring even more defensive power to Campanelli Stadium this summer, as she takes the field that the sons of Red Sox greats Ortiz, Ramirez, Martinez, and Foulke all played on before her.
The Canadian-born Lyszczyk has been making a name for herself on the baseball field since the age of five, paving the way for other female players. She’s turned heads playing for the Whalley Chiefs, the Rivier University Raiders men’s baseball team, and the Sag Harbour Whalers, part of the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League. She has also worked as a content creator for MLB.com.
“She’s an incredible catcher and all-around player,” says Norm Laviolette, owner of the Brockton Rox. “We’re lucky to have her join the Rox and look forward to seeing her drive, determination, and leadership come to life at Campanelli.”
Lyszczyk will become the second trailblazer in as many years within the Futures League. During the 2022 summer season, Pittsfield Suns Director of Operations Margot Douillet took the field to serve as the first female on-field manager in league history during a June 8 game against the Vermont Lake Monsters. Praised for her contributions to the team in every possible area off and on the field, Douillet was also named the Futures League's 2022 Staffer of the Year.
Rox GM Tom Tracey and head coach Chris Warren have been helping foster and fuel the up-and-coming careers of collegiate players for years, and were instrumental in the signing.
“At the Rox, we’re more than just baseball,” says Tracey. “We’re dedicated to helping young players sharpen their skills and perfect their game, while also providing the tools and support to help them thrive educationally, professionally, and socially. Everyone in the organization, from the ownership to the coaches and players, are looking forward to welcoming her to Boston this summer.”
Lyszcyzk will join the team and take the field at the end of the 2023 college semester in May.
The news of Lyszczyk’s signing is the latest of many exciting announcements by the Brockton Rox, who will be hosting the traveling Savannah Bananas World Tour at Campanelli Stadium on August 16th.
“The 2023 season is going to be the biggest and most fun one yet,” says Laviolette. “Just you wait and see.”
Individual game and season tickets to the 2023 Brockton Rox season at Campanelli Stadium are now available at the stadium box office located at 1 Feinberg Way in Brockton, and online at BrocktonRox.com.
For the latest news and information on the Futures League all year long, visit thefuturesleague.com and follow the league’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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