NEW YORK — Former Southern Garrett High star Tobi Stoner heard the words he always dreamed of hearing on Monday: Welcome to the Major Leagues.
The New York Mets, who drafted Stoner in the 16th round after his senior year at Davis & Elkins College in 2006, purchased the right-handed pitcher’s contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, and Stoner was in uniform Tuesday night when the Mets hosted the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.
Stoner, 24, reached the big leagues in less than four years in the minors. He split time between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo this season.
Stoner finished the season on a roll at Buffalo and, despite being in the International League for just three months, he shared the team lead in wins (7), was second in starts (16) and third in innings pitched (97 2/3). He walked 34 and struck out 64. He was 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA in his final five starts.
Stoner began the year at Binghamton of the Eastern League, where he was 2-2 with a 2.68 ERA in seven starts before being promoted to Buffalo on June 15.
The 2002 graduate of Southern High was a first-team All-Area infielder and pitcher who helped coach Jim Bosley’s Rams to back-to-back Area titles and a 43-3 record over his last two seasons. Stoner played at Garrett College before transfering to Davis & Elkins, and is the first athlete from Southern High or Garrett College to reach the Major Leagues.
