Beach Bums Tognetti Retires
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced the retirement of pitcher Phil Tognetti.
Tognetti was a key member of the Beach Bums' bullpen in the first half of 2007 and was eventually put in the starting rotation due to several injuries in the pitching staff. In 11 relief appearances, Tognetti had a 1-0 record with a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings, walking 7 and striking out 20 while holding opponents to a .204 average. Tognetti also made 10 starts for the Beach Bums last summer, and finished his rookie campaign with a 2-3 record, 4.16 ERA, 71.1 innings, and 48 strikeouts.
"Our organization was sad to learn that Phil will not be returning in 2007," said Beach Bums Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel. "Phil is a competitor, and when injuries plagued our pitching staff last year, he stepped up and helped fill the void in the starting rotation even though he is better suited as a reliever. The grit and determination he showed on the mound shows that he will have just as much success in whatever career path he chooses."
Tognetti played collegiately for the University of Michigan from 2002-2005 before joining the Beach Bums in 2007. At Michigan, Tognetti compiled a 13-10 record in 69 games, 18 of which were starts, going 173 total innings with a 4.68 ERA, walking 67 and striking out 91.
Tognetti plans to start his own personal training business this off-season.