Zupcic to join Blue Ox> Outfielder played for Bosox until ’94

BANGOR – Bob Zupcic, who hit .241 in 141 games for the Boston Red Sox four seasons ago, has signed a one-year contract with the Bangor Blue Ox.

The 30-year-old Zupcic, who made it to the last cut in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates a few months ago, will be a player-coach and will report to the Northeast Baseball League team on May 23.

Zupcic’s 319-game major league career, 287 with the Red Sox, spanned four seasons.

He was released by Boston and claimed on waivers by the Chicago White Sox in 1994. He hit .205 with the White Sox and had brief stints at the AAA level with four franchises during the 1995 and ’96 seasons.

He hit .250 with 7 homers, 47 doubles, 80 runs batted in, and 99 runs scored during his major league career. His best year came in 1992 when he hit .276 for the Red Sox with 19 doubles, 3 homers, and 43 RBIs.

“We’re really looking forward to having him on board,” said Blue Ox President Dean Gyorgy. “He’s a major league ballplayer and I expect him to be among the league leaders in hitting. He will add that much more punch to our lineup. Any time you can add: A. a recognizable person, and B. the kind of person Bob is [you’ve got to do it].”

Zupcic said he received the offer from Blue Ox manager Roger LaFrancois two weeks ago.

“I told him no at first, but my wife [Becky] and I prayed about it and we reached a peace,” said Zupcic, who is a devout Christian and father of two sons. “Roger was the hitting instructor at Nashville (AAA) and we worked very well together. He showed me a few things that really helped me. He was a major factor in my decision to come.”

“This is a good opportunity for me. We love the New England area. I still love the game,” said the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Zupcic. “I still feel I can play [in the major leagues]. I want to help the team win, keep my foot in the door, and see what happens.”

Zupcic hopes to play some third and first base to improve his versatility. He has played all three outfield positions in the majors.

He said he hopes to improve his power numbers and intends to work on “driving the ball the other way.”

Meanwhile, speedy Husson College center fielder Sandy McCuaig, the Maine Athletic Conference and NAIA New England Player of the Year, said he intends to try out for the Blue Ox when they hold their open tryouts beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mahaney Diamond in Orono.

“I love Bangor. It’s a nice place,” said the 25-year-old McCuaig, who owns several school offensive records and is considered by coach John Kolasinski to be the best player he has coached in his nine years at Husson.

“I told the Ox that if they didn’t sign him, it would be a damned shame,” said Kolasinski. “He’s capable of playing for them. There’s no question about it. I don’t know about a starting role. But he can play any outfield position, he can run, and he has a good arm.’