Haran signs with St. George RoadRunners Former Old Bridge star gets chance to play professional baseball Gerard Haran The College of New Jersey's senior catcher Gerard Haran has signed with St. George RoadRunners of the Golden Baseball League. Haran, a Matawan native who attended Old Bridge High School, put together a stellar career at TCNJ, yet was passed over in last month's Major League Baseball draft. Still holding onto hopes of playing Major League Baseball professionally, Haran was rewarded with a spot on the independent club's roster after the RoadRunners' catcher was released over the weekend. Haran's break comes after he was tapped for the 2007 ABCA All-America First Team this past season, marking his third straight honor as a first team pick. Last season, Haran was named the 2006 ABCA NCAA Division III National Player of the Year at catcher. In addition to his honors this season, he was named to the 2007 ABCA Mid-Atlantic Regional First Team after also earning 2007 All-State First Team honors from the NJCBA at catcher after another impressive season. Also named the NJAC's Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007, he finished his 2007 season with a .327 average, while leading the Lions with his 53 RBIs, 13 doubles, 14 home runs and .661 slugging percentage. Overall on the 2007 season, he currently ranks No. 6 in Division III in the latest statistical rankings with his 0.31 home runs per-game average, while his 1.18 RBIs per game is No. 45 and his 14 total home runs ranks in a tie for No. 2 in Division III. On his career, he added his name to the record book, having broken the marks for most doubles (58), most home runs (49), most RBIs (215), and most runs scored (184), while ranking No. 2 in games played (166), and third with 226 hits. He leaves TCNJ having become the program's first and only three-time baseball All-American. The Golden Baseball League, presented by Safeway Inc., is dedicated to bringing professional independent baseball back to California, Nevada and Arizona. Within five to seven years, the Golden Baseball League will establish a 10- to 12-team league of minor league baseball teams throughout California, Southern Oregon, Western Arizona and Northern Mexico. The league will play in a combination of city- and university-owned stadiums and work collaboratively to market professional baseball in each of our communities. The league's goal is to allow communities to experience the wonder of America's pastime and give children of all ages their first exposure to the great game of professional baseball. The teams will play in fan-friendly facilities that will provide a fun and safe environment for families. Players will be well integrated into the community and will spend time at schools, camps, business lunches and local events. With the league's support and encouragement, players will be given the opportunity to improve their skills and move up to the major leagues.