Rafi Vazquez is a right-handed relief pitcher for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, an independent professional team based in Waldorf, Maryland. He has emerged as one of the top relievers in the Atlantic League during the 2026 season.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Rafael Joseph Vazquez
- Born: December 12, 1997
- Hometown: Annandale, Virginia
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
- Bats/Throws: Right/Right
- Position: Pitcher (formerly also played first base and center field)
Breakout Success with the Blue Crabs
After joining Southern Maryland in 2025, Vazquez transitioned into a bullpen role. In 2026 he became one of the league's most dominant relievers, opening the season with:
- A 7-0 record
- A 0.31 ERA
- A 0.68 WHIP
- 26 strikeouts in 25 innings
- A franchise-record 24 consecutive scoreless innings to start the season
His performance has made him a key piece of the Blue Crabs' bullpen and a major reason the club has been competitive in the Atlantic League
About Rafi.
His unique Baseball Journey
Vazquez's path to professional baseball is unusual. He originally played as both a pitcher and position player, then became primarily a first baseman and designated hitter during his college career at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After going undrafted as a hitter, he briefly retired from baseball in 2021 before deciding to reinvent himself as a pitcher.
Early Career
Before turning professional, Vazquez was a standout at Bishop O'Connell High School and committed to play at Coastal Carolina University after an outstanding high school pitching career.
His story is a good example of perseverance—going from an undrafted college hitter who retired from baseball to one of the best relief pitchers in independent professional baseball