Solveson still pursuing pro baseball career

The dream goes on for Emporium's contribution to professional baseball.

Saul Solveson is back in town, working for his family's Solveson Contracting business and staying in shape as he prepares for whatever may come of his baseball career in 2008.

"Sure, I'd like another shot at a major league organization," said the 28- year-old righthander who has been one of the Somerset (N.J.) Patriots' most consistent pitchers over the past two years.

His routine in Emporium includes snow plowing and other odd jobs, working out on exercise equipment at his home, and some occasional pitch-and-catch with his father, "Salty" Solveson, at the Cameron County High School gymnasium.

"It's not exactly pitching, but more like soft-toss, just to keep my arm loose," Solveson explained, adding, with a smile, "I try to take it easy on him"

Solveson was hardly taking it easy on Atlantic League opponents during the 2007 season. He earned the nickname "Houdini" for his ability to come in out of the bullpen and magically erase the other teams' uprisings.

Solveson in a 2007 performance

Patriots Manager Sparky Lyle, a former big-leaguer, found Solveson to be a clutch performer.

"Saul was my 'go-to' situational guy," Lyle told Endeavor News. "When we really needed an out, he was the guy I wanted to have out there."

Solveson appeared in 50 games, posting a 3-1 record and a 3.79 earned run average with four saves. He was one of eight Somerset Patriots chosen for the Atlantic League All-Star Team.

The Atlantic League is an independent organization from which players are often plucked to join major league organizations.

Solveson turned pro after a successful career at St. Bonaventure University. He spent 2003 with a Class A team in Kenosha, then joined Elmira in 2004. He arrived at Somerset midway through the 2005 season and has been a Patriot ever since. In 2006, he appeared in a team-high 42 games with a 5-4 record and a 3.11 ERA.

Lyle, a former Cy Young Award winner, said Solveson still has the tools to sign on as a minor-leaguer for one of the big-league clubs. If that doesn't happen, the skipper said, he would be welcome back on the Somerset staff this year.

"It's hard to predict what the future might hold," Solveson told Endeavor News. "I'll be looking for tryout opportunities this winter but if that doesn't develop, I expect to go back to the Patriots."