Wilson N.C.- The Wilson Tobs are proud to announce that former pitcher Zack Kelly (‘16) has made his Major League debut for the Boston Red Sox. Undrafted out of Newberry College (S.C.), Kelly signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Athletics in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, he played in the Los Angeles Angels farm system and then signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2021 following the canceled minor league baseball season in 2020 due to COVID-19. In his time with both the AA and AAA Red Sox minor league affiliates, Kelly played in 80 games (94.1 innings), struck out 141 batters and had a 2.43 ERA.

During the 6th inning of Monday night’s game versus the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis at Target field, Kelly entered the game to start the bottom of the inning for the Red Sox. Kelly struck out the first two batters he faced out of the pen, Gilberto Celestino & Sandy León, and finished the inning allowing only one hit. Kelly got another chance to showcase his stuff on Tuesday evening against the Twins, where he retired the side in order during the bottom of the 7th and added another K. Kelly may get another opportunity to pitch in the land of 10,000 lakes tonight as the Red Sox battle the Twins again in the 3 game series finale. The Sox will then head back home to Boston and take on the Texas Rangers in a 4 game series where Kelly will be a part of the home bullpen staff at the oldest ballpark in baseball, Fenway Park.

As a member of the 2016 Tobs, Kelly made 11 appearances, including eight starts. He finished with a 2-3 record and 5.89 ERA. In 44.1 innings, he struck out 38 batters while walking only 28 and gave up 29 earned runs on 49 hits. Kelly is the 16th former Tob to make it to the MLB in its coastal plain league history with many more making their way up the ladder in next few seasons. The Tobs family will be cheering for Kelly as he begins the next chapter of his career with one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Tobs Roll!

The Wilson Tobs enter their 27th season as a founding member of the Coastal Plain League. The upcoming season for the Tobs will see an expanded community outreach effort, increased participation in helping the less fortunate, a championship team, and a fan experience like you have never seen. We would like to dedicate each successful season to the Wilson Community, Coastal Plain League Organization, Host Families, Corporate Partners, and the Dedicated Fans throughout the city of Wilson. The Wilson Tobs have played host to over 100 alumni taken in the draft and have produced over 15 players who have gone on to play in the MLB, including Cy Young & MVP winner Justin Verlander. For more information on the Wilson Tobs, visit our website www.wilsontobs.com.