University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Copeland a Part of Oakland A's 40-man Roster
4/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 27, 2009
PITTSBURGH – Former Pitt standout Ben Copeland has made the 40-man roster for Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics this season.
Copeland was drafted in the fourth round by the San Francisco Giants during his senior season after garnering 2005 First-Team All-Big East honors. He was named the Big East Conference’s Player of the Week on two occasions, and was a 2005 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-American selection.
Ben kicked off his professional career with the Giants’ squad in the Arizona Rookie League, driving in 14 runs over 18 games before being promoted to San Francisco’s Single-A short season affiliate, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. While with the Volcanoes, Copeland hit .306 with five doubles, four triples, four home runs and 23 RBI in 29 appearances.
In 2006 he helped Single-A Augusta to the best mark in minor league baseball with a 92-47 ledger. He stood fourth in the South Atlantic League in hits (145), while placing second in triples (12) and third in RBI (71). |
Copeland spent most of last season with the Double-A Connecticut Defenders, where he batted .261 with five home runs and 42 RBI in 103 games. After getting the early August call to Triple-A Fresno, Copeland hit .341 with four RBI in 22 games and boasted a career-high and Eastern League-leading 13 triples with the Grizzlies.
During spring training Copeland posted one home run while driving in four on four hits. The former Pitt star is currently nursing a left shoulder sprain and is listed on the Athletics 15-day DL, but is expected back by the end of April.
While with the Panthers Copeland amassed numerous records including first all-time in career runs scored (165), doubles (51) and triples (18) and holds season records in hits (84), doubles (23), triples (10), stolen bases (37) and runs scored (65).
