Mike Nickeas, who played for the British National Team in the past, was promoted to the big leagues in early September (see BaseballSoftballUKâs news article below) by the New York Mets organization. Since then the 27-year-old has made two appearances in the MLB going hitless in three at-bats. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2004 and was traded to the Mets in 2006 for outfielder Victor Diaz. Nickeas split time between Double-A and Triple-A this season, batting a combined .276 (OBP .389/SLG .382) with five homeruns, 28 runs and 33 RBI in 89 games.
By BaseballSoftballUK, www.baseballsoftballuk.com
Former GB Baseball star Mike Nickeas joined the New York Mets on Thursday, September 2, as part of the roster expansion that takes place for Major League teams each September.
The 27-year-old catcher began the year at the Mets’ AA farm team in Binghamton, New York, where he hit .283 and was promoted to AAA Buffalo in August. With Buffalo, he collected six hits in seven games.
To make room for Nickeas on the 40-man September roster, the Mets transferred John Maine to the 60-day disabled list. Maine underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in July.
Nickeas will provide some insurance for Mets’ starting catcher Josh Thole and backup Henry Blanco.
Mike Nickeas was a key player for the GB Baseball Team at the 2007 European Championships in Barcelona, where GB won the Silver Medal. He was not able to play in the IBAF World Cup last September or in this summer’s European Championships due to his commitment to the Mets.