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Hall of Fame Player to Manage Peoria Chiefs

The Beloit Snappers Western Division rival, the Peoria Chiefs, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs announced that Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg will manage the Chiefs in 2007. Sandberg, who entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, will make his managerial debut this season. He played for the Cubs from 1982-1994 and again from 1996-1997. Sandberg won the NL MVP Award in 1984 with a .314 average, 19 HR, 36 doubles, 19 triples and 84 RBI while leading the Cubs to within one game of their first World Series in 39 years. He also won nine straight Gold Gloves from 1983-1991 and made the All-Star team each season from 1984-1993. Sandberg's #23 jersey was retired by the Cubs at Wrigley Field in 2005.

The Snappers and Chiefs are set for a two-game series and a four-game series during the 2007 season. Peoria visits Beloit for a pair of games from May 19-20. Saturday, May 19 Econo Lodge provides the first scheduled fireworks show of the season for the Snappers following the game. First pitch for May 19 is scheduled for 6:30 pm. The first pitch for Sunday, May 20 is scheduled for 2:00 pm. Peoria returns to Beloit again in June following the Midwest League All-Star game, for a four game series. The Snappers and Chiefs will open the second half of the season June 21-24. The Principal Family Fun Fest is back in Beloit for the third season before the 7:00 pm start of the game Thursday, June 21. Friday, June 22 is slated for a 7:00 pm start. Following the 6:30 pm game Saturday, June 23 is the Rock County Electric Fireworks Show. Matt Garza Bobble Head Dolls will be handed out before the 2:00 pm game on Sunday, June 24.

Fans can purchase season ticket plans in time for the Holiday Season. Ticket plans range from 15-game plans to full-season 70-game plans. Fans can take advantage of the Snappers voucher system and use multiple season ticket vouchers for a single game. Individual game tickets go on sale March 1, 2007.

For additional information contact the Snappers by phone: (608) 362-2272, on-line: The Official Website of the Beloit Snappers or stop by the office at 2301 Skyline Drive.

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The Great Lakes Loons are disappointed to announce that the public tours scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 10. 2006, have been canceled because of snow and ice build-up at the stadium. Loons Head Groundskeeper Matt McQuaid has been working the past several days on snow removal on-site in an attempt to prepare the stadium for the tour, but was not successful.

"We were excited about the chance for the public to experience Dow Diamond for the first time, but fan safety is our first priority," said Paul Barbeau, Loons Team President and General Manager. "We appreciate the great response we have had to this tour and we regret the inconvenience for our fans."

Barbeau said the tour may be rescheduled before the season begins in April, if weather permits.

The Great Lakes Loons are a single-A Minor League Baseball team in the Midwest League and are owned and operated by the non-profit Michigan Baseball Foundation. For more information, contact the Loons at 989-837-2255.

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COMSTOCK PARK, MI - West Michigan will be treated to a night of champions on Wednesday, January 17 when the 2007 Whitecaps Winter Banquet rolls into town. Jim Leyland, manager of the 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tigers, and Tom Brookens, a member of the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers and the Whitecaps new manager, will headline the event, which raises funds for the Whitecaps Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program. A portion of the night's proceeds will also benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

The 2007 Banquet, underwritten by Varnum Riddering Schmidt and Howlett, LLP, will be held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a silent auction of sports memorabilia and other items. The silent auction will be followed by dinner, a live auction and the featured program. Leyland and Brookens will both speak to the crowd. The night will also feature members of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan.

Leyland, Brookens and other members of the Caravan will meet with the media during a press conference at DeVos Place from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This will be the only opportunity for interviews. Credentials will be required and can be obtained by contacting the Whitecaps Public Relations Department at (616) 784-4131 ext. 1154.

Proceeds from the Winter Baseball Banquet go to the Whitecaps Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program and the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Since the program's inception in 1995, more than a quarter of a million dollars has been pledged, allowing more than 5,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball. Since the establishment of the Detroit Tiger Foundation in 2005, the charity has donated more than a million dollars in Tigers tickets, grants and scholarships in the greater Detroit community.

For fans interested in attending the event, there are several different ticket options. Premium tables, which include 10 tickets to the Banquet, 10 tickets to a private AfterGlow event with Leyland, Brookens and the Tiger Caravan members, a commemorative group photo with Brookens and 80 raffle tickets are $1,000 each. Corporate tables include 10 tickets to the Banquet and 40 raffle tickets and are $750 each. Individual tickets are $65 per person. Tickets are available starting Wednesday, December 13 by calling the Whitecaps at (616) 784-4131, sending a check or money order with the names of persons attending to Whitecaps Winter Baseball Banquet, P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321 or faxing credit card orders to 784-4911.

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COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Tickets for the West Michigan Whitecaps 2007 home season go on sale this Monday, December 11 at 10:00 am. The 2006 defending Midwest League Champion 'Caps kick off the season Monday, April 9 against the Lansing Lugnuts.

"We're really excited to be able to offer fans individual tickets before the holidays," said Whitecaps director of ticket sales Kerri Troyer. "Whitecaps games are great family fun and make great stocking stuffers or other holiday gifts and, this year, fans have the option of purchasing the actual tickets in time for the holidays."

The 'Caps also have several great holiday packages. The Holiday Family Four Pack includes four reserved undated Whitecaps tickets, four hot dogs and four small Pepsi drinks for just $40. Fans can also purchase a 10-game package with one reserved seat ticket to 10 different home games, 10 hot dogs, 10 Pepsis and two free Bobbleheads for only $86.50.

There are several ways to purchase individual Whitecaps tickets or the special holiday packages. You can order online at whitecapsbaseball.com, call the ticket sales department at (616) 784-4131 or (800) CAPS-WIN, stop by the Fifth Third Ballpark Ticket Office, fax in your order to (616) 784-4911 or mail your order to the Whitecaps Ticket Office at P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321. The Ticket Office is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fans' first chance to see their 2007 Whitecaps in action will be Wednesday, April 4 during the Open Workout presented by Belle Tire. The team's home opener is scheduled for Monday, April 9 at 6:35 p.m. The game will be followed by fireworks presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. The 2007 season is jam packed with 18 Farm Bureau Insurance fireworks shows, five bobblehead giveaway nights, appearances by Myron Noodleman and BirdZerk! and tons of great theme nights. Fans can look at the full schedule and also a list of all the 2007 scheduled promotions on the team's website, West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball.

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The Cedar Rapids Ball Club Inc. has selected four individuals to be inducted into the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 11th Annual Hot Stove Banquet, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel on Thursday, January 18, 2007. The inductees are: former MLB player Paul O'Neill; former Cedar Rapids manager Ron Plaza; former general manager Don 'Bucky' Buchheister; and past president and current board member Harold 'Pinky' Primrose.

Paul O'Neill played for the Cedar Rapids Reds in 1982 and hit .272 with 8 HR and 71 RBI that season. Paul reached the majors in 1985 and played 17 seasons with the Reds and Yankees. During that time, he played on five World Series Championship teams (1990, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000) and was a five time All-Star (1991, 1994-95, 1997-98). He retired after the 2001 season with a career .288 average, 281 HR and 1,269 RBI. He currently is pre and post game studio analyst, as well as an announcer for the YES Network.

Ron Plaza managed the Cedar Rapids Cardinals in 1965 and 1966. His 81-40 record was the best in the MWL in 1966 and his 1965 team still holds the MWL record for consecutive games won at 17 (July 3 - July 19, 1965). Ron was named the Manager of the Year in the Florida State League in 1967 and worked as a base coach for the Seattle Pilots in 1969. His playing career spanned twelve seasons in the minor leagues as an infielder, with six seasons at the Triple-A level. He is in his 24th season as a roving instructor for the Oakland A's, starting with the Athletics in 1983.

Don 'Bucky' Buchheister was the general manager of the Cedar Rapids team from 1970 to 1989. He was named the MWL Executive of the Year and the Sporting News Class A Executive of the Year in 1976. He lives in the Cedar Rapids area and attends games at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Harold 'Pinky' Primrose has a long history with baseball in the Cedar Rapids area. He coached baseball for many years at Cedar Rapids Washington HS and Coe College (1982-87) and is a Past President (1968-71) and member of the steering committee for the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Pinky was elected to the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987. He was the Activities Director at Washington HS for many years and is the Executive Secretary of the Cedar Rapids Basketball and Football Officials Association. He is a past president of the Board of Directors and still serves as an active board member.

Tickets are on sale now for the 11th Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Along with the induction of the 2007 Hall of Famers, the night features a social hour and dinner, a live and silent auction to benefit the Kernels Foundation and the featured speaker will be the manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Mike Scioscia. Tickets are $37.50 in advance and $45 at the door and can be purchased at Veterans Memorial Stadium, by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887 or ordering on-line at Cedar Rapids Kernels Professional Baseball . Corporate tables for 10 people are also available for $350.

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Fort Wayne, IN - Fort Wayne Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter was presented with "The Friends of Baseball Chapel Award" at the 105th annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

The award is presented annual to the individual or organization that makes strides in advancing Baseball Chapel.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by Baseball Chapel for my efforts," Nutter said upon receiving the award. "Baseball Chapel is an organization that I am blessed to work with and something that I strongly believe in promoting."

Baseball Chapel is an international ministry recognized by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. It is responsible for the appointment and oversight of all team chapel leaders, with more than 400 throughout professional baseball. The ministry is directed toward players, coaches, managers and their wives, umpires, front office and ballpark staffs.

In addition, Baseball Chapel extends beyond Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, serving baseball leagues in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Japan.

For additional information on Baseball Chapel, visit their website at Baseball Chapel.

"Baseball Chapel is an organization that allows all professional ballplayers the opportunity to grow and develop in their faith while they are progressing as ballplayers," Nutter said. "Vince Naus and his staff should be commended for their ministry and the work they do in promoting The Gospel to ballplayers."

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The Minnesota Twins, the Beloit Snapper's parent club, have reached an agreement with Jeff Cirillo on a one-year contract worth a reported $1.25 million plus incentives. The deal is set to become official pending a physical Wednesday in Minneapolis.

Cirillo was originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of 1991 June draft. He played for the Beloit Brewers during the 1992 season. Cirillo batted .304 with 27 doubles and 71 RBI in 126 games. He helped the team finish with a 77-58 record and earn a Midwest League playoff berth.

He made his Major League debut on May 11, 1994 at Fenway Park. Cirillo got his first big league hit May 13, 1994 off New York Yankee's pitcher Terry Mulholland. The 2007 season will mark his 13th season in the majors. Cirillo spent eight of those seasons with the Brewers, including the 2006 season.

The Snappers open the 2007 season at Pohlman Field, Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 pm versus the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Individual game tickets are set to go on sale March 1, 2007.

For additional information contact the Snappers by phone at (608) 362-2272, on the web at The Official Website of the Beloit Snappers or stop by the office at 2301 Skyline Drive in Beloit, WI.

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Burlington, IA (December 12, 2006) "" The on-line auction for Luke Hochevar's autographed Burlington Bees batting practice top is underway at milb.com. Fans can place bids for this one-of-a-kind piece of Bees and baseball history by going to the "Auction" page at Minor League Baseball: Home or by following the links on the front page of the Bees website at Burlington Bees: Home.

Hochevar was the #1 overall pick in the 2006 draft, made his Minor League debut with the Bees on August 16th, and finished the regular season in the Bees' starting rotation. In four starts, he pitched 15.1 innings and allowed just eight hits and two walks while striking out 16. He also moved on to pitch in the post-season with Double-A Wichita and appeared for the Grand Canyon Rafters in the Arizona Fall League. Hochevar is the highest pick in the history of the Kansas City Royals and Burlington Bees organizations. The opening bid on the jersey will be $150. The auction will close at 12:00 ET on Friday, December 22nd.

The auction for Chris Lubanski's autographed road jersey from 2004 closed yesterday with a winning bid of $300. There will be three more auctions for Bees jerseys in January: Mitch Maier (January 2nd "" 12th), Runelvys Hernandez (January 15th "" 22nd), and Ambiorix Burgos (January 23rd "" 31st).

For more information on the on-line auctions, fans or media should contact the bees Asst. GM of Baseball Operations/Broadcaster Randy Wehofer at (319) 754-5705 or at randy@gobees.com.

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Burlington, IA (December 11, 2006) "" The Kansas City Royals have made several moves in the last few weeks to re-shape their Major and Minor League rosters and several former Bees have been involved.

On November 28th, the Royals updated 40-man roster was announced in preparation for the Rule V draft last Thursday at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL. Former Bees Danny Christensen and Carlos Rosa were added to the 40-man roster to protect them from being selected by other clubs. Christensen pitched with the Bees from 2003-05, but missed most of 2004 after injuring his elbow on Opening Night and losing the rest of the season to Tommy John surgery. Christensen pitched with High Desert in the California League last year and joined the Arizona Fall League for five appearances. Rosa was the Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year this past season, posting an 8-6 record with a 2.53 ERA for the Bees. Rosa also pitched with the Bees in 2004 and missed all of the '05 season due to Tommy John surgery. To make room for more players on the 40-man roster, 2B Donnie Murphy was designated for assignment and had to be traded or released or be exposed to waivers. The Royals traded Murphy to the Oakland A's for cash considerations. Murphy set the Bees single season record with 98 RBI in 2003 and made his Major League debut with Kansas City on September 18, 2004. Murphy spent all of the '06 season with Double-A Wichita in the Texas League.

On December 5th, The Royals announced seven non-roster invitees to Major League Spring Training including C Damaso Espino. Espino played for the Bees in '03 as a third baseman and returned in '05 after converting to catcher. Espino ranks tied for tenth on the Bees single-season RBI list with 88 and tied for fourth on the career list with 129. He also holds the career record for sacrifice flies with 13. Espino also spent 2006 with Wichita. The Royals also announced that they had signed 14 other players to minor league contracts including seven that had been with the organization last year. That group included former Bees: RHP Barry Armitage ('02-03 with Bees), 3B Justin Gemoll ('01), SS Omar Pena ('06), and

1B Mike Stodolka ('01-02).

On December 6th, the Royals dealt relief pitcher Ambiorix Burgos to the New York Mets for RHP Brian Bannister. Burgos spent all of '06 in the Major Leagues and was 4-5 with a 5.52 ERA in a tam-high 68 appearances and converted 18 of 30 save opportunities. Burgos made two appearances with the Bees in 2003 and spent all of '04 in Burlington as a starter. He was 7-11 with a 4.38 ERA, but finished second in the Midwest League with 172 strikeouts in 133.2 innings and ranks sixth on the Bees single-season strikeout list.

In the Rule V draft, the Royals chose RHP Joakim Soria from the San Diego Padres organization and to make room on their 25-man roster for the player released RHP Runelvys Hernandez. Hernandez led the Bees pitching staff in 2001, going 7-5 with a 3.40 ERA in 17 starts. Hernandez made his Major League debut with the Royals on July 15, 2002 and has been in the Major Leagues in four of the last five seasons, making a total of 78 starts.

Two former Bees were selected in the Major League phase of the Rule V draft. C Adam Donachie was taken by the Philadelphia Phillies with the tenth pick and then was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for RHP Alfredo Simon, who was taken with the fifth pick. Donachie hit just .189 in 67 games with the Bees in 2004 and missed most of the season after being accidentally struck in the head by a swinging bat in the on-deck circle. Last year, Donachie hit .247 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI in 91 games combined between High Desert and Wichita and then hit .360 with a home run and 4 RBI in 12 games in the Arizona Fall League. As part of the rules of the Rule V draft, Donachie must stay on the Orioles 25-man roster throughout the entire 2007 season or he may be offered back to the Royals. IF Alejandro Machado was selected with the 15th pick by the Minnesota Twins away from the Washington Nationals. Machado had just signed as a free agent with Washington after spending the last two years with the Boston Red Sox organization. Macahdo made his Major League debut with Boston and played in ten games in 2005, but spent all of last season with Triple-A Pawtucket. Machado hit .239 in 28 games with the Bees in 2001 after being acquired by the Royals as one of the minor league players from the Atlanta Braves for SS Rey Sanchez.

For the second year in a row, IF Brandon Powell is changing organizations following an All-Star season thanks to the Triple-A phase of the Rule V draft. In 2005, Powell hit .287 with 18 home runs and 69 RBI, was a California League post-season All-Star for High Desert, and then was selected away from the Royals by the Nationals. This past season, Powell hit .280 with 14 home runs and 71 RBI for Potomac, was named to the Carolina League post-season All-Star team, and was selected away from the Nationals by the Padres. Powell hit .267 with 5 home runs and 34 RBI in 90 games for the Bees in 2004 after recovering from hamate surgery in spring training. Powell was one of seven players taken from the Nationals organization in the Triple-A phase of this year's Rule V draft.

Other former Bees on the transaction wire recently include:

The New York Yankees signed C Raul Chavez signed a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training. Chavez played for the Bees in 1991 as a member of the Houston Astros organization. He made his Major League debut in 1996 with the Montreal Expos and has played in 170 career Major League games with the Expos, Seattle Mariners, Astros, and the Baltimore Orioles.

The Cincinnati Reds signed OF DeWayne Wise to a minor league deal. Wise started his career in the Reds organization and played for the Bees in 1998. He made his Major League debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000 after the being selected away from the Reds in the Rule V draft. He has spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues including two with Toronto, one with the Atlanta Braves in 2004 and appeared in 31 games with the Reds last season although he spent most of his season with Triple-A Louisville.

The Colorado Rockies re-signed RHP Zach McClellan to a minor league contract. McClellan pitched for the Bees in 2001 and spent four seasons in the Royals organization before getting traded to the Rockies in April of 2004 in a minor league deal for RHP Justin Huisman. McClellan has spent the last two seasons with Triple-A Colorado Springs and was 4-3 with a 4.18 ERA and three saves in 54 games this past year. He is currently pitching for Aguilas in the Mexican Winter League.

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The Beloit Professional Baseball Association, Inc. is continuing its quest for a new home in Rock County. Representatives from the Snappers have spent many tireless hours trying to secure a new place for the team to call home. To read up on the latest on the progress of the new stadium project click on this link or paste it in your browser: Beloit Snappers, Rock County Fairgrounds, Seneca

The Rock County Board meets Thursday, December 14 on the much debated land swap issue that could nail down a new stadium for the Snappers as well as a new fairgrounds for Rock County. Both projects would be entirely privat