Former Pitt-Johnstown standout Braxton Roxby became the first Mountain Cat to reach the Major Leagues when the San Francisco Giants called him up to their major league squad on Wednesday.
 
Roxby is expected to be with the Giants when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday at 3:45 p.m.
 
"Braxton is truly an incredible young man, Pitt-Johnstown Director of Athletics Abby Gearhart said. "I had the privilege of watching his transformation through his hard work, diligence, intentionality, and integrity. I first met Braxton as a middle school student working out at a local gym. He never missed a day. He quietly went about his business and worked so hard — his intrinsic motivation was impressive in how hard he pushed himself. I could see the transformation before my eyes. I remember thinking, 'This kid is going somewhere.' Fast forward years later, when I started working at Pitt Johnstown, I was afforded the privilege of watching him compete for us. He had always shared his dreams and goals, and I never doubted that it would become a reality. I could not be happier for Braxton. There is no one more deserving, and it couldn't have happened for a better man. He is truly one of the kindest, hardest-working individuals you will ever meet. We are so very proud of you here at Pitt Johnstown, Braxton!"
 
Roxby, who pitched for Head Coach Todd Williams at Pitt-Johnstown from 2018-2020 when he signed a free agent minor league contract with the Reds, was 4-3 with a 4.11 Earned Run Average in 57.0 innings with the AAA Sacramento River Cats at the time of his call up.  In 36 appearances out of the bullpen, Roxby fanned 53, posted a 1.18 WHIP, and held opponents to a .205 batting average.
 
Roxby, a 6'3" right-hander, compiled 105 strikeouts in 88.2 innings (27 appearances) at Pitt-Johnstown.  As a junior in 2020, the Windber, Pa. fanned 28 hitters in 17 2/3 innings.
 
"I am so happy and proud of Braxton, he is so deserving of this," Williams said.  "Braxton has worked for this moment his entire life.   One of the hardest workers I have seen with total commitment through everything.   He is also a great young man and role model in everything he does.  I wish him continued success  and can't wait to  see him on the bump in the big show."
 
In nearly six seasons in the minor leagues with the Reds and Giants, Roxby has made 211 appearances and is 18-18 with 18 saves in 211 appearances.  He has a 4.12 career ERA with 368 strikeouts in 288.2 innings.  Roxby has a 1.26 WHIP and a .215 batting average against.
 
The 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.
 
" I am ecstatic for Braxton and his family," Current Mountain Cat Head Coach George Roberts said.  "As a baseball player we all dream to make it to the major leagues and to have a local kid from Windber, Pa. do it is incredible.  All of us here at Pitt Johnstown and especially the baseball team are incredibly proud of him.  The weight room is what really separated him from everybody else and he got stronger each year.  He was invited to play in the prestigious Cape Cod Collegiate Summer League, and it put him on everybody's radar.  He's been grinding the past six years in minor league baseball and has been knocking at the door of Major League Baseball for the past two. He has been welcomed into an elite club and we are all so proud of him."

Roxby and his wife Jaclynn are expecting their first child.  He is the son of Randy and Shelley Roxby of Windber.