Huntingdon’s Fincher joins Guelph Royals

GUELPH, Ontario – Former Huntingdon pitcher Joseph Fincher recently signed with the Guelph Royals of the Intercounty Baseball League in Canada.

The Royals announced the signing on Friday and expected the Phenix City native to join the team on Monday. According to the Royals' release, Guelph is expecting to use Fincher as a starter in the rotation.

It was unclear Monday when he might make his first start, but the Royals are scheduled to play five games in the next six days.

A four-year player for Huntingdon, Fincher closed his collegiate career with a 16-10 record, 4.20 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 171 1/3 innings. As a junior and senior, he tied for the team lead in wins and was second in strikeouts both seasons.

This past season, Fincher was 5-4 in 12 starts with 39 strikeouts and a 4.91 ERA in 73 1/3 innings.

Fincher is the second former Huntingdon pitcher to sign with Guelph since May. Gavin Free reported to the Royals on May 16. In five starts, Free is 3-1 with 27 strikeouts and a 5.09 ERA in 30 innings. He is one of just two Royals to pitch at least 30 innings this season, is tied for the team lead in wins and is second on the team in strikeouts.

The Royals were formed in the 1800s and were a charter member of the Intercounty Baseball League when it formed in 1919. Guelph has won nine IBL championships, the third most of any team in the league. According to the IBL website, the league features alumni with ties to 18 MLB teams.