KNOUCKOUTS ADD FORMER DODGER FARMHAND HEISELL BARO

The New England Knockouts have signed starting pitcher Heisell Baro to a Frontier League contract. Baro was a professional free agent prior to signing. 

Baro, just 22 years old, joins the Knockouts after gaining seasoned experience in minor league baseball. Baro was signed in 2018 by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, making it as high as single-A with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Under the Quakes in 2022, Baro threw over 23 innings in 15 appearances. He also finished with a 5.40 ERA and 23 strikeouts. 

Prior to the Quakes, Baro worked his way through MLB's rookie leagues. He began in 2019 with the Dodgers' Bautista team in the Dominican Summer League. In that summer, Baro impressed with a staggering 1.22 ERA and 47 strikeouts. He also kept opponents to a .156 batting average. 

In 2021 and 2022, Baro also pitched for the Dodgers in the Arizona Fall League. In that two-year span, Baro appeared in 21 contests, throwing nearly 49 innings of work. His combined ERA between both seasons was approximately 5.28, including 60 total strikeouts. Baro was promoted to single-A Rancho Cucamonga halfway through the AZL season. 

The 6'1", 185-pounder is a native of Bahía Honda, a large city in Cuba. Coming from an area that hosts over 42,000 people, Baro made a quick name for himself, signing with the Dodgers at just 16 years old. 

The Knockouts are set to open their inaugural season on Friday, May 10th against the Ottawa Titans. Tickets for opening day can be purchased at https://tickets.knockoutsbaseball.com. 

About the New England Knockouts

The New England Knockouts are a professional baseball team in the MLB-partnered Frontier League. The Knockouts are the newest franchise of the Frontier League, officially being awarded membership in the fall of 2023. The Knockouts play at Campanelli Stadium, located in Brockton, Massachusetts. Fans and other members of the media can stay up-to-date with all Knockouts content through their social media channels @NEKnockouts.