Milton Native Alex Hassan Thanks Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) -- Though he is no longer a member of the Boston Red Sox, Milton native Alex Hassan wanted to thank the organization that gave him a chance to become a professional ballplayer.
Hassan, who was drafted by Boston in the 20th round of the 2009 amateur draft, was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics on Monday. So he took to Twitter on Tuesday to thank the entire Boston organization.
"I just want to take a moment to thank EVERYONE in the Red Sox organization," wrote Hassan. "To Lowell, Greenville, Salem, Portland, Pawtucket, and Boston, you have made being a part of the Red Sox organization an incredible experience for me.
"Thank you to the front office and scouting departments, who signed me and invested so much in me. Thank you to the coaches and roving instructors for all the time and energy you have invested to develop me as a baseball player, and for teaching me what it means to be a professional. Thank you to the trainers, team front offices, and clubhouse attendants who have worked tirelessly to help me throughout my career. I'm going to miss all the amazing guys that I had the privilege to call my teammates and my friends.
"One of the proudest things I will ever be able to say is that I got a chance to play for the Red Sox. I was only able to accomplish that dream because of all the tremendous people who have supported me along the way. I am forever indebted to you all. Thank you."
Hassan got his first chance in the majors last season after kicking around in the minors for five years. He was called up in early June and played in two games, and appeared in another game for Boston in late August. Hassan recorded a hit, scored a run and struck out five times in eight at bats over his three major league appearances.
In all, Hassan played in 538 games in the Boston farm system, playing for Lowell, Greenville, Salem and Portland before spending the majority of the 2014 season in Pawtucket. During his minor league career with the Red Sox, Hassan hit .291 with 130 doubles, 42 home runs, and 267 RBIs.
Hassan hit .287 with eight home runs and 55 RBIs in 114 games for the PawSox in 2014.
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