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Loge Tables offer new way to enjoy Florence Freedom Games

Florence, KY - The Florence Freedom unveiled plans to add Concourse Loge Tables as a season ticket and sponsorship opportunity today.

New Loge Tables are being constructed on the main concourse along the first and third base line and will offer a more exclusive area for guests to enjoy a game. Each Loge Table is enclosed by railings and includes four patio-style chairs, an umbrella and in-game host service in addition to a 3'x 9' sign on the front railing and a smaller sign on the back for all 51 Florence Freedom games.

"We wanted to create a new marketing platform for local businesses while also providing a more unique seating experience for their guests" said Freedom Assistant General Manager, Justin Kozubal".

Only twelve Loge Tables are available for the 2007 season and deposits will be accepted starting this Saturday, December 9th during the Freedom Holiday Open House at Champion Window Field between 10am-2pm.

All season ticket packages, mini plans, and group outings are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 859-594-4487.

Florence Freedom is a member of the Frontier League, a 10-team Independent Professional Baseball League established in 1993. The Freedom play a 96 game schedule with 48 home games between late May and early September.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ashley Thompson at the Freedom office by calling (859) 594-4487 x 17 or via email ashley.thompson@florencefreedom.com.

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Marion - The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired Catcher/DH Rob Wirth by way of a three team deal. The Miners sent Marshall Plouffe, their 2nd round pick in expansion draft to Reno Silver Sox of Golden Baseball League.

Wirth was the 10th leading hitter in the Frontier League in 2006 while playing for the Gateway Grizzlies. In addition to hitting .296, he also hit 12 doubles and 12 home runs, driving in 44 runs. He had an on base percentage of .390.

Wirth started his professional career with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League and also played with the Sioux Falls Canaries under Mike Pinto, with whom he will now be reunited

"Having managed Rob before, I know I am getting a quality player and quality person. He plays the game hard, is a smart player who will help our team both offensively and defensively. Rob also understands how important it is to interact with the fans. I am thrilled that we were able to get this (trade) put together" add Manager Mike Pinto.

"I am excited for Mike and the Miners Organization. Rob has experienced success in this league, and anytime you can add a player among the league leaders statistically it can only help the team"

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Crestwood, IL - The Windy City ThunderBolts are determined to deliver a winning season to their full season ticket holders in 2007. To back up the promise, everyone who purchases 2007 full season tickets by January 1, 2007 will get free full season tickets in 2008 if the ThunderBolts finish with a losing record in 2007.

The history of Frontier League baseball in Crestwood has not included a winning team in seven seasons. The ThunderBolts finished 41-54 in 2006. Although the team was 13 games under .500, the 41 victories were just one behind the franchise record. The 2003 Cook County Cheetahs went 42-48 playing a shorter schedule. The closest a team has come to finishing .500 or better was in 1999 when the Cheetahs were 41-43.

Andy Haines has taken over as manager and will be in charge of reaching and exceeding the .500 mark. He is already busy putting the roster together with quality talent. Brendan Sagara has recently joined the coaching staff as pitching coach. Haines and Sagara were coaches together on the 2005 Northern League champion Gary SouthShore RailCats.

Fans interested in the free full season ticket promotion need to purchase their 2007 full season tickets by January 1, 2007 and pay in full. If the team finishes with a losing record, fans will receive the same number of full season tickets free for the 2008 season. If the team finishes at .500 or better, the promotion will not apply. Fans who purchase their full season tickets after January 1, 2007 will also not qualify for the promotion.

Full season tickets cost $325.00 per seat and guarantee fans the same great seat for all 48 ThunderBolts home games. Opening Night is May 23 and the season ends on Labor Day Weekend. The ThunderBolts play their home games at Hawk Ford Field in Crestwood. For more information or to order tickets, call Dan Rinder at 708-489-2255. Mini season and holiday stocking stuffer plans are also available.

Information about 2007 season tickets, skybox suites, group outings, and birthday parties is available by calling 708-489-2255. For the latest team news, please visit Windy City Thunderbolts. The Windy City ThunderBolts are a member of the 12-team Frontier League, an independent league with teams in the Midwest.

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Pitcher Corey Ohalek Retires
12/07/06 - Frontier League (FL) Washington Wild Things

Washington Wild Things
Washington, Pa - The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, announced Wednesday that LHP Corey Ohalek retired. The Steubenville native played for Washington during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

The Wild Things obtained Ohalek's contract in the 2004 Blake Woods' trade with Joliet of the Northern League. Ohalek sat out the '04 season recovering from Tommy Johns surgery.

The left-handed reliever was 5-3 with a 4.00 ERA, two saves, 28 strikeouts, and eight walks over 45 innings for the Wild Things in '05. He accumulated four saves, striking out 35 and had a 3.62 ERA in 54.2 innings of work during the '06 season.

"Corey was a valuable asset to the Wild Things over the past two years," said Ross Vecchio, general manager. "He and his wife had their first child (a boy), in November. He has decided to go to law school, and with that decided to retire from baseball. We wish him the best. He'll always be a member of the Wild Things' family."

The Wild Things open the 2007 season at home on May 23rd when they'll host the Frontier League expansion team from Slipper Rock. Season ticket packages are available at the box office.

• Discuss this story on the Frontier League message board...

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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Slippery Rock, PA - Slippery Rock Professional Baseball, the newest member of the Frontier League, has announced the structure for its "Name the Team" contest. Butler County Radio Network (WBUT 1050 AM, WISR 680 AM, and WLER 97.7 FM) will be administering the contest on behalf of the team.

Through Sunday, December 17, fans are invited to e-mail (srprobaseball@yahoo.com), fax (724-738-4974), or mail their submissions to the ballclub. Four finalists will be announced on Monday, December 18, and fans will be able to vote for their choice at Welcome to Butler County, Pa - Your source for Butler County News, Sports, and Information. through Sunday, December 31.

A drawing amongst the fans who submitted the winning name will take place to determine the contest winner, who will receive four reserved tickets to Opening Night, be introduced during the pregame ceremonies along with the team, and participate in the ceremonial first pitch. In order to qualify for the contest, fans must include their name, mailing address, and phone number on their entry.

"We have received a tremendous welcome during our first few weeks in Slippery Rock," commented general manager Steve Tahsler. "We are glad that our fans can be involved in determining the identity of the club.

"The Butler County Radio Network is pleased to be a part of the "name the team" contest," said Ron Willison, sports director for the Butler County Radio Network. "This is an exciting venture for Butler County and for Slippery Rock, and we are glad that SR Pro Baseball has asked us to help. I hope to continue this relationship throughout the season."

Slippery Rock Professional Baseball will begin its inaugural season on Wednesday, May 23, at the Washington Wild Things. The home opener will be on Tuesday, May 29, against the Florence Freedom. 32 home games will be played during at Jack Critchfield Park on the campus of Slippery Rock University.

Additional information about Slippery Rock Professional Baseball can be found at Slippery Rock Pro Baseball or by contacting the team at 724-738-4903.

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John Martinez, winner of the 2005 "Brian Tollberg" award in recognition as the top pitcher in the Frontier League, has announced his retirement, according to the Paints' front office.

Martinez established a new FL season record for wins in 2005 after recording 16 victories against only four losses. In 2006, the Paints' traded Martinez to the Windy City Thunderbolts, but after a short and uneventful stint with the Thunderbolts, Martinez was handed his release.

Later in the season last year, Chillicothe re-signed the crafty right-hander and he responded by posting a 5-0 record and a lowly 2.09 ERA to help the Paints in their drive toward the FL East Division championship.

Manager Mark Mason also announced that the Paints have traded speedy outfielder, Luke Barganier, to the Bradenton Juice, a member of the newly formed independent South Coast League. A player to be named later by Bradenton will complete the deal.

Bradenton is managed by former Paints' pitching coach, James Frisbie.

Barganier hit .241 for Chillicothe last year, including six doubles, four triples and two home runs.

Mason makes first trade as Paints' skipper

The Chillicothe Paints' new field manager and director of baseball operations, Mark Mason, has wasted little time to begin molding the 2007 edition of the Paints.

Mason, just hired by the Paints two weeks ago, traded catcher, D.J. Dixon, to Anderson (SC) for infielder, Evan Sobel. Anderson is a member of the newly formed independent South Coast League.

Sobel, age 24, spent his professional debut in 2006 while playing for the Reno Silver Sox of the independent Golden League. He was selected to play in the GL All-Star game last year after hitting .309 at the mid-summer break, and drawing rave reviews for his outstanding defensive play.

He suffered through a hitting drought during the final two months of last season and was traded to Anderson in October. Sobel finished the '06 campaign with a .243 batting average.

"Evan is capable of playing anywhere in the infield," remarked Mason. All reports are is that he is an outstanding defensive player and hopefully, we can fix whatever problems he experienced at the plate last season."

Dixon had two shorts stints with the Paints last summer and saw limited playing time, mostly as a designated hitter.

Sobel, who resides in Santa Monica, California, played collegiately for the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League.

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Washington, Pa - The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, announced that Brett Grandstrand's contract has been sold to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

According to Wild Things' general manager, Ross Vecchio, "Brett Grandstrand is the 17th player from the Wild Things' organization to move up to affiliated ball."

Grandstrand, who was a 13th round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2004 MLB draft from Coastal Carolina University, hit .330 with nine home runs and 52 RBI his final season for the Chanticleers. The New Castle WA native spent two years at Williamsport of the Class-A New York-Penn League, playing second base, shortstop and third base. There he batted .268 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 49 games in 2004.

Grandstrand, who played shortstop for The Wild Things' in 2006, completed the season with a .284 batting average, scoring 39 runs on 80 hits and 29 RBI.

"The scout who signed Brett for the Pirates is now working for the Devils Rays," said Vecchio. "He obviously sees something he likes -- this is a great opportunity for Brett. He will go to spring training in March with one of their Class-A teams, and we wish him all the best."

"This is what the Frontier League is all about," added field manager John Massarelli. "The most important goal we all have is getting these kids to the next level. We're really happy for Brett!"

The Wild Things open their season against Slippery Rock in May. Ticket packages are available at the Clubhouse at the Washington Crown Center or at the field box office.

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LOVES PARK, Ill. - It's a rare occasion when the sound of breaking glass is good news to someone at a baseball game.

This season at RiverHawks Stadium, breaking glass will mean new windows, thanks to the Rockford RiverHawks and Window World. The RiverHawks announced today that Window World has agreed to a 2-year marketing agreement with the team.

Among the key elements of the advertising pact is a nightly in-game promotion centered around the Window World Window, to be located just behind the outfield wall. If a player breaks the glass with a home run, one lucky fan will win free windows. In addition, Window World will receive a double-sized sign on top of the third-base dugout.

"It's one of the most-advertised businesses in Rockford and we're glad to have them out at the ballpark for the first time," RiverHawks community-relations director Erin Colombi said. "Wherever you look in Rockford, you see one of their signs and now you're going to see them at RiverHawks Stadium as well."

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. Advertising, season-ticket and suite information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.

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LOVES PARK, Ill. - Limited spots remain for the upcoming Rockford RiverHawks Holiday Baseball Training Clinic.

The session, Dec. 26-29, is scheduled to be held at Triple Play USA. The cost is $100 per camper and includes a clinic T-shirt. The class limit has been set at 40 and is already about half full.

"Winter training is really what makes the difference between a star and just being a player," said RiverHawks sales director Dan Macdonald, a former college pitcher.

The camp runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and will have a different focus each day - throwing and footwork; hitting and bunting; pitching and catching; skill challenges. Former all-star center fielder Tony Pigott, members of the team's coaching staff and former and current players will provide instruction at Pigott's School of Hard Knox.

Instructors who have already committed to the clinic include bench coach Bob Koopmann, the RiverHawks' original manager and the new head coach at Rockford College; bullpen coach Sam Knaack, the head coach at Rochelle High School; former RiverHawk Josh Tomsu, the team's all-time leader in pitching wins.

Reservations can be made by contacting Pigott at (815) 703-2305 or Macdonald at (815) 885-2255, ext. 15.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. Advertising, season-ticket and suite information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.

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LOVES PARK, Ill. - McDonald's has agreed to become one of the Rockford RiverHawks' largest sponsors.

The RiverHawks announced today that the world-famous fast-food chain has agreed to a 3-year marketing agreement with the team. McDonald's will continue to occupy the largest sign on the RiverHawks Stadium scoreboard. In addition, McDonald's will continue to have an advertising panel, offering great food discounts, in the team's pocket schedule. The length of the deal and the amount of exposure involved makes the agreement one of the largest in team history, general manager Josh Olerud said.

"The long-term commitment from one of the largest corporations in the world shows the value in a partnership with the RiverHawks and the positive direction our organization is moving in," Olerud said.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. Advertising, season-ticket and suite information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.