April 29, 2008

BALTIMORE - Former Southern Miss pitcher Bob McCrory was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk to the major league's Baltimore Orioles Tuesday afternoon. McCrory is expected to join the team in time for tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Camden Yards.

McCrory, who was added to the Orioles 40-man roster this off-season, played for Southern Miss and coach Corky Palmer from 2001-03. He started the season at Triple-A Norfolk where he saved four games in nine appearances with an ERA of 1.80 and a record of 0-2.

McCrory becomes the first Southern Miss player to reach the major leagues that played for coach Corky Palmer as a Golden Eagle and the 13th former Southern Miss play to reach the major leagues.

He spent last season between Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie, where he converted 27 or 30 save opportunities, which was second in the entire Baltimore minor league system. He was also named to the Carolina League All-Star Team.

The Orioles thought highly enough of McCrory to send him to the prestigious Arizona Fall League this winter where he picked up three saves in 10 innings of work, while striking out nine and posting a 1.80 ERA. -southernmiss.com-