Pitt-Johnstown junior pitcher Braxton Roxby signed a Major League Baseball free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds and is now set to begin his professional career.
 
Pitt-Johnstown Head Coach Todd Williams was thrilled by Roxby's signing.  "I am so happy and proud of Braxton," Williams said.  "He made a name for himself in the Cape Cod League last summer and the past school year he had scouts meeting with him weekly.  He is one of the hardest working student-athletes we have had here at Pitt-Johnstown.  Braxton has a great arm and a very bright future.  This is what he has worked for the past three years and to see it happen is a great for both him and our program.  We are very proud of him and wish him the best in professional baseball."
 
Roxby, a local standout from Windber High School, excelled in the Cape Cod League as a member of the Bourne Braves in the summer of 2019.  His efforts propelled him to become the top NCAA Division II prospect in the country.  In 3 2/3 innings (three appearances) with the Bourne Braves, Roxby, whose fastball was clocked consistently in the mid-90s, struck out six and walked just one.  He allowed one hit and did not give up a run.
 
As a member of Coach Williams' Pitt-Johnstown team the past three seasons, Roxby, a 6'3" right-hander, compiled a 7-9 overall record with 105 strikeouts in 88.2 innings (27 appearances).  As a junior in 2020, the Windber, Pa. fanned 28 hitters in 17 2/3 innings.
 
He is the son of Randy and Shelley Roxby.
 
"Pitt-Johnstown has helped me become a leader on and off the field, as well as allow me to pursue my dreams of playing professional baseball," Roxby said.  "I'd like to thank the Cincinnati Reds for giving me an opportunity to continue my baseball career at the next level.  I'd also like to thank my parents, family,  Coach Williams, and Coach Rick Roberts for helping me develop into a pitcher who has the chance to play professionally."
 
Roxby is the first Mountain Cats to sign a professional contract since All-American pitcher Ben Watkins was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 40^th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, and fellow right-hander Kaleb Fleck signed a minor league free-agent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in September 2011.