FREDERICK, Md. - The Frederick Keys alumni base has grown in the pro ranks this week as both outfielder Darryl Buggs and right-handed pitcher Joe Miceli signed professional contracts for the 2025 season following their time in Frederick this past summer.
Buggs inked his contract with the Oakland Ballers in the Pioneer League Thursday after getting his first pro stint with the Keys just several months ago. This past summer, the University of Alabama-Birmingham product recorded a .318 average while hitting a team-high four triples and knocking in 15 RBIs.
Buggs also showcased his blazing speed throughout 37 games played, as he finished with 20 stolen bases out of 24 attempts during his stint in the Key City.
The Stockbridge, GA native finished his college career recording a .266 average in four seasons with the Blazers program and will soon get his first taste of professional baseball by playing in the always competitive Pioneer League.
Meanwhile, Miceli finalized his contract with the New York Boulders for the 2025 season in the Frontier League, after excelling in the back half of the Keys bullpen in 2024.
In 21 games of relief, the Oakland, N.J. native amassed a 4-2 record while totaling a 6.12 ERA and instantly became a go-to arm in late game situations for Jacque Jones’s ball club. He also had 34 strikeouts compared to allowing 12 walks, with his strikeout total ranking second on the roster amongst all relief pitchers.
During his college career, Miceli most recently spent his last year at Kent State and threw 31.1 innings while recording 28 strikeouts in 12 games pitched and now aims to start his pro career off strong in May for the Boulders.
The Frederick Keys begin their 2025 season against the West Virginia Black Bears on Wednesday June 4 at 7 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Tickets and the promotional schedule will be released at a later date.
