Matt Pali instead of David Hissey to Alligators

The German club SOLINGEN ALLIGATORS announced on Wednesday that the former Minor Leaguer Matt Pali will reinforce the team instead of the planned David Hissey, who terminated his agreement to come over after the college season last week. He will stay in the United States, trying to get a contract with a professional team after a successful season on the Emory University (Division III).

Pali, who is 28 years old, is from Houston, Texas and an outfielder/first baseman. He attended Florida Atlantic University and was selected by the Anaheim Angels in the 17th round of the 2003 amateur draft, making his professional debut in the Pioneer League the same year. He stayed in the organization until 2007, reaching Double-A.

In 2008 he joined Pensacola of the American Association (Independent League) and batted .269 (OBP .330/SLG .402) with seven homeruns, 50 runs scored and 44 RBI in 89 games. During six years of Minor and Independent League ball he hit .259 (.328/.387) in 615 games (see profile at Baseball-Reference.com).

Pali is scheduled to arrive on April 23 and should make his Baseball-Bundesliga debut in the highly anticipated matchup between SOLINGEN and PADERBORN on May 1st.