On Friday afternoon, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced that outfielder Anthony Alford has been promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays, New Hampshire’s Major League parent club.
He will replace Darrell Ceciliani, who injured his shoulder while hitting a two-run homer on Thursday’s 9-0 victory against the Braves. Ceciliani had been called up from Triple-A Buffalo only days earlier to replace 2013 Fisher Cat alumnus Kevin Pillar, who had been suspended by Toronto for two days due to an anti-gay slur.
This marks the fourth time in Fisher Cats franchise history that a player has been called up directly to the majors from Double-A. It’s the first time since 2013 and the first time a non-pitcher has earned the honor.
Alford becomes the 91st Fisher Cat promoted to the Major League level. The 90th, Dwight Smith Jr., made his Blue Jays debut on Thursday night during the victory against the Braves.
A third-round draft pick in 2012, Alford played college football at Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss. before committing to baseball full-time in 2014. He started the season with nine hits in his first 12 at bats, and held a batting average over .400 through his first 16 games.
Rebounding from a minor injury earlier in the month, Alford regained his early season form as of late, highlighted by a 4-for-5 night against Trenton on Wednesday.
