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**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:16 AM

Former Paints' favorites continue their work in baseball

During the past 15 years, hundreds of young men have worn the navy and red uniform of the Chillicothe Paints.

After retiring from professional baseball, former Paints' players have moved on and into wide a variety of occupations, including coaching the game they love so much.

Such is the case with former Paints' standouts, Matt McCay, Andrew See, and Rick Blanc.

See is currently in his second year as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Ohio University Bobcats baseball team. He spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons in a similar position at Appalachian State University and was an assistant coach at University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 2003.

Andrew was a standout player for Ohio for three years while playing centerfield, first base and as a pitcher. He mounted a career .350 batting average with 33 homeruns and 116 RBI's. He belted 17 round-trippers and a school record 70 RBI's in his senior season of 2001.

See joined the Paints following his senior year and played in Chillicothe for three years. He started his pro career as a third baseman and outfielder, but later became the closer on the pitching staff.

Blanc recently joined the coaching staff at Bowling Green State University, his alma mater, where he will hold the positions of pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He has been the pitching coach the past four years at Longwood University in Virginia.

Blanc enjoyed an outstanding four-year stint with the Paints, and was twice named to the Frontier League All-Star team, including being voted FL Pitcher of the Year in 2001 when he boasted a 13-1 record. In five years of professional baseball, he built a 28-14 slate with a 3.80 ERA and 12 saves. He also served one year as the pitching coach for Chillicothe.

McCay, the all-time career hits leader for the Paints was hired in 2007 as an assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Tarheels. The Tarheels are the defending ACC champions and appeared last year in the NCAA Division I World Series.

Matt will be working with the UNC hitters and catchers, and will help with the teams' weight lifting and conditioning programs.

McCay was a three-time Frontier League All-Star and was voted to the Chillicothe Paints' "All-Time Team". He was selected as the Paints' Most Valuable Player in 2003 and is the Paints' record holder for career and single-season hits (2002).

Matt is also an instructor at the "Impact Baseball Showcase Camp and with "Dirtbag Baseball", an elite North Carolina based traveling team.

Matt and his wife, Julia, make their home in Chapel Hill, NC.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:17 AM

Brook, Others join "All-Diamond Team"

O'Fallon, MO - The three winningest pitchers in River City Rascals franchise history have been selected by the fans, as representatives on the "All-Diamond Team" as starting pitchers.

Steve Brook, Aaron Ledbetter and Gregory Modica combined for 64 wins during their time at River City and were all members of the opening day 2004 starting rotation.

"This is great honor for me," Brook said. "The fans here with the Rascals have always been so supportive of my family and me, especially during the time of my injury. I can't say enough for what these fans have meant to us."

The 6'3 Chicago, Illinois native, missed most of the 2005 season after being struck by a come-backer to his head. This incident happened just days after his wife, Ellen, gave birth to their first born, Nolan.

"I especially remember the night when the Rascals hosted the 'Shirt-Off-The-Back Night' and the booster club donated half the money raised from my jersey to help my wife and me in the hospital," Brook continued.

Brook, the top vote getter at over 55%, finished his Rascals career in 2007 going 11-7 and ended up with 33 career victories, with ranks first in franchise history and third in Frontier League history. The right-hander will exchange a glove for a clipboard in 2008 as he was named the Rascals pitching coach in October.

Ledbetter (30%) and Modica (12%) round out the other starting pitchers to make the "All-Diamond Team."

Ledbetter won 24 games as a Rascal from 2003 through 2006. During the 2006 season, Ledbetter was sent to the Washington Wild Things via trade. He won the Brian Tollberg Award as the League's Most Valuable Pitcher in 2007 with Washington. Ledbetter's 42 wins rank as the most career victories in Frontier League history.

Modica spent two seasons with the Rascals (2003-04), compiling 17 wins in the process. His best season came in 2004 when he went 11-3 with a 3.20 earned run average.

Fans who wish to participate in the voting process of the "All-Diamond Team" can do so by visiting rivercityrascals.com. The voting continues all the way until February 10, and a different position will be available each week.

Season and group tickets are currently on sale. To be apart of the Rascals diamond anniversary call 636-240-BATS.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:19 AM

Lansing native Joe Panozzo joins ThunderBolts

Crestwood, IL - The 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Joe Panozzo to a contract for the 2008 season. Panozzo is a 2003 graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois.

Panozzo appeared in five games for the Gail SouthShore RailCats of the Northern League in 2007, for whom new ThunderBolts field manager Brian Nelson served as hitting coach. He compiled a 1-0 record and 13.50 ERA in 5.1 innings of work.

Panozzo signed with the RailCats after his career at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He was named First Team NCAA Division II All-North Central Region and All-Great Lakes Valley Conference as a relief pitcher last spring, posting a 7-1 record with seven saves and a 1.30 ERA over 20 games. Panozzo yielded only 21 hits in 34.2 innings while striking out 28 batters for the Pumas. He also spent time as an outfielder at Saint Joseph's, combining for a .256 average in 91 games over two seasons.

Prior to transferring to Saint Joseph's, Panozzo spent two seasons at Joliet Junior College. He was named All-N4C Conference as an outfielder for the Wolves in 2005 along with being named the NJCAA Division III Region IV Tournament MVP in 2004.

"I am looking for Joe to be a key arm out of the bullpen this season," commented Nelson. "Joe suffered from an arm injury while in Gary and if 100% he will be a great addition to our pitching staff."

The Windy City ThunderBolts are entering their tenth season as members of the Frontier League. The ThunderBolts play at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood and will look to defend their Frontier League Championship starting next May. For more information, please contact the ThunderBolts at 708.489.2255 or visit Windy City Thunderbolts.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:20 AM

Simmons Named Executive-Of-The-Year

MARION, Ill. - Southern Illinois Miners owner Jayne Simmons has been selected by the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago to receive the Club's Minor League Executive-of-the-Year Award. Simmons will be honored at the organization's annual awards banquet on Jan. 20 at the Donald E. Stephens Center in Rosemont, Ill.

"I'm very honored, especially for this being our first year," Simmons said. "It took a lot of hard work to get to this, but I certainly can't take all of the credit. We have a tremendous staff who just worked their tail off this past year, and it makes me look good. Our staff, our sponsors and our fans, they all combined to make this an unbelievable year."

The Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago is a professional baseball organization that promotes professionals in the game of baseball in the Chicagoland area. The awards are selected by the Pitch and Hit Club's board of directors and Honorary Chairman Roland Hemond. Hemond is the former general manager of the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles and has been named Major League Executive of the Year three times.

Recent award winners at the Pitch and Hit Club's annual dinner include Ozzie Guillen, Jim Hendry, Bo Jackson, Mark Prior and Aaron Rowand among others.

The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit Southern Illinois Miners.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:21 AM

Gibson Signed By Cardinals

The Gateway Grizzlies announced today that the contract of outfielder/designated hitter Chris Gibson has been purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals Organization. Gibson will accept an invitation to attend the organization's Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in February. Gibson joined the Grizzlies prior to the 2007 season after playing college baseball at Southeast Missouri State University.

"Chris worked very hard for us," Grizzlies Manager Phil Warren said. "I'm very proud of Chris and excited for his opportunity."

The Bellevue, NE native appeared in 61 games for the Grizzlies in 2007. In 181 at-bats Gibson hit .260 with a home run and 15 runs batted in. The 6-2, 210 pound left-handed hitter appeared at five different positions for the Grizzlies last season.

"Chris had attended a workout with the Cardinals prior to the 2004 draft and was a player that we had considered drafting that year, but ultimately felt he was better served by further developing his tools," Cardinals Director of Minor League Operations John Vuch said. "We saw definite improvement from his time spent with the Grizzlies and feel that he is now much more prepared to successfully move into our minor league system."

Gibson is the son of Cardinals Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson.

Patterson makes 40-man roster

Former Grizzlies pitcher Scott Patterson was recently added to the New York Yankees 40-man roster.

Patterson spent most of the 2007 season at Trenton, the Yankees' Double-A affiliate. He was 4-2 with a 1.09 ERA in 44 appearances. He struck out 91 hitters in 74.1 innings. He tossed three innings at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. He did not allow a run and struck out one.

Patterson is the Grizzlies all-time leader in appearances with 72. He is also the club's all-time strikeout leader with 332.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:22 AM

'84 Cubs vet Dernier joins FanFest

LOVES PARK, Ill. - Former Chicago Cub Bob Dernier will join the guest list at Rockford RiverHawks Fan Fest 2008.

The annual event will be held 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Giovanni's Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Rd. Tickets for the event are $25 and includes dinner, with tables for 10 available. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Rockford Boys and Girls Clubs.

Ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. Friday. Tickets can be purchased at Road Ranger Stadium, Giovanni's, Rock Valley Federal Credit Union, Tom Harmer Sports, and Got Quarters in Cherry Vale Mall.

Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will headline FanFest. Wayne Messmer, the public-address announcer at Wrigley Field, will be the event's master of ceremonies.

Dernier hit .255 during a major-league career that spanned all or parts of 10 seasons, split among Philadelphia and Chicago. He appeared in consecutive postseasons - 1983 with the National League champion Phillies and 1984 with the Cubs. He hit .278 with three home runs and 32 RBI for Chicago in its NL East-winning season.

FanFest has been revamped to resemble the annual Cubs Caravan, which will not visit Rockford this winter. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. An autograph show featuring former major-leaguers, former RiverHawks and current members of the team begins at 6:30 p.m. Hendry and guests will take questions from the audience starting at 8 p.m.

Additional guests will be announced as the event draws near.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase RiverHawks souvenirs and apparel. In addition, the RiverHawks' inflatable speed pitch from the stadium will be at Giovanni's.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 16th season in 2008. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. RiverHawk games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM) and the internet. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:23 AM

Otters acquire infielder Fonseca in three-team trade

Evansville, IN - The Evansville Otters announced today a 3-team trade that sends infielder Alex Fonseca to the Otters from the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League.

The deal involved sending Otters' closer Mike Bille to the Brockton Rox of the Can-Am League in exchange for former Otters' closer Ryan Burnau. The Otters then immediately traded Burnau to the Schaumburg Flyers in exchange for Fonseca. The trade with Brockton completes a previous trade involving pitcher Jared Trout on April 6, 2007.

Fonseca, a Tallahassee, FL native, attended Florida Atlantic University and was drafted in the 36th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. At FAU, Fonseca earned 1st Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore after hitting .338 (.402 in conference play) with 3 homeruns, 48 RBI's, and 14 doubles. During his junior year, Alex earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors hitting .306 (.325 in conference play), with 3 homeruns, 31 RBI's and 34 runs scored. In 2006, Fonseca hit .316 for the Tempe Angels of the Arizona League, accumulating 13 doubles and an on-base percentage of .436. In 2007, Alex split time between the St. Paul Saints (under then Saints pitching coach and current Otters manager Jason Verdugo) and the Schaumburg Flyers. In 22 games with Schaumburg, Alex hit .280 with 2 homeruns and 14 RBI's.

"Alex is a high-energy player that will bring a lot of versatility to our infield" said Otters manager Jason Verdugo. "I am confident he will do the same offensively, as he displayed signs of that for St. Paul and Schaumburg. Alex is a great guy and I look forward to him being a quiet leader for the 08 team."

Departing Evansville will be RHP Mike Bille. Bille spent two seasons in Evansville, piling up 35 career saves (most in Otters history) and a 1.85 ERA. In 2007, Bille appeared in 38 games accumulating a 1.70 ERA and 15 saves (5th most in the Frontier League).

Also involved in the trade is former Otters' RHP Ryan Burnau. Ryan pitched with the Otters during the 2003, 2005, and 2006 seasons. Ryan still holds the career record for games pitched as an Otter, appearing in 95 games and accumulating an 11-9 record with 16 saves and a 1.98 ERA during his 3 years in Evansville.

The Otters 2008 season will open May 21st, 2008 as the reigning 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts come to town for Fifth Third Bank Opening Night. The Otters will host 51 home games during 2008.

**truebluefan** · 12-15-2007, 11:27 AM

Rox Star Rookie Gets a Shot with Padres

Brockton, MA (December 10, 2007) - Brockton Rox OF Tony Gonzalez is getting a shot at the Major Leagues. After a breakout rookie season with the Rox in 2007, Gonzalez will join the San Diego Padres for Spring Training in 2008, with a chance to join the organization's minor league system.

A native of La Habra, CA, he was named the Can-Am League's Rookie Player of the Year with the Rox in 2007. After joining the team in late June, Gonzalez hit .304 with 8 HR and 38 RBI during the Can-Am League Regular Season. Rox Manager Chris Miyake spoke highly of Gonzalez and his chances.

"We wish Tony the best in his attempt to make one of the Padres' clubs. I believe he has the ability to perform very well within their organization," said Miyake. "He has the size, power, and hitting ability to succeed at the higher levels."

Gonzalez joins a list of talented former Rox players who also received opportunities to take the next step in their careers. One of the most notable players from this list is former Rox LHP Craig Anderson. Anderson finished the 2005 season with the Rox, and made six starts. He was 4-2, with a 3.67 ERA in 41.2 innings. He struck out 22 and walked just 7. Anderson has since played in the Baltimore Orioles organization and spent time with AA - Bowie, and AAA - Norfolk last season. Currently, the Australian southpaw is pitching in the Dominican Republic Winter League for the Cibaenas Aguilas. He is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 28 innings. He has struck out 18, and has not issued a walk. Read the full story at CanAmLeague.com - Official Website of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball. Anderson was a member of the Australian National team and played with Rox pitcher Wayne Lundgren in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

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