truebluefan

Canadian American League

Worcester, MA - The Worcester Tornadoes announced that they have traded Second Baseman Dominic Ramos to the Brockton Rox in exchange for Lefthanded Pitchers Kevin Culpepper and Joey Siak. The Tornadoes have also acquired Lefthanded Pitchers Tom Cochran and Justin Mattison and Outfielder Jarod Rine from the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League in exchange for Righthanded Pitcher Ryan Mitchell.

Culpepper, 29, a former 9th-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2003, spent the majority of the '07 season with the New Haven County Cutters. In his 11 starts for the Cutters, he posted a 2-3 record with a 3.68 ERA. Culpepper allowed 2 earned runs or less in 8 of those 11 starts. Opposing lefthanded hitters batted just .217 against him.

Siak, 25, has pitched for the North Shore Spirit in each of the last three seasons. Between the '06 and '07 campaigns, Siak went a combined 9-9 for the Spirit with an excellent 2.99 ERA. Last season, he made 19 starts for North Shore , going 6-3 with a 4.98 ERA.

Cochran, 25, has posted an ERA under 4.00 in both of his seasons with Washington . In 2007, the former Boston Red Sox farmhand started the season red hot, going 6-1, 3.27 over his first 9 starts of the year. Righthanded batters had more difficulty with Cochran than lefties, hitting just .225 against him in '07.

Mattison, 26, was one of the most dominant relievers in the Frontier League in 2007. In addition to his excellent 6-1 record and 2.37 ERA, Mattison averaged better than a strikeout per inning (61 Ks in 57 innings) in '07. Opponents hit just .193 with runners in scoring position and lefties batted a paltry .177 against him last year.

Rine, 26, is a speedster who hit .275 with 3 home runs, 32 RBIs and a Frontier League-leading 33 stolen bases in 2007. An excellent defensive outfielder, Rine committed just one error in 74 games played in the outfield in '07.

"We're thrilled to add five quality players to our roster for 2008," said Tornadoes President and General Manager R.C. Reuteman. "A lack of lefthanded pitching was a weakness for us last year, and with these two deals, we now have four outstanding southpaws on our pitching staff."

Ramos hit .311 with 5 home runs, and 43 RBIs for the Tornadoes in 2007. He led the team in games played (92), runs (58), hits (110), total bases (152), walks (43) and stolen bases (21). His 17-game hitting streak in '07 is the longest in franchise history. Mitchell made 20 appearances (including 6 starts) for Worcester in 2007, posting a 3-4 record with a 2.35 ERA. Opponents batted .205 against Mitchell in '07.

truebluefan

Canadian American League

The Nashua Pride today announced that Norwood native, Richie Hebner has been named the hitting coach for the 2007 Can-Am League Champions. The former Pittsburgh Pirate third baseman brings over 30 years of baseball experience to the Pride, including a World Series championship in 1971 and 3 years as the Boston Red Sox hitting coach.

Hebner has over 14 years of coaching experience in affiliated and major league baseball, including 4 years as a manager and 9 years as a hitting coach. Once his playing career came to an end, Hebner was hired as the manager of the Myrtle Beach Blue Jays, the single A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, where he led the team to a playoff berth in 1988. The following year, Hebner was hired by the Red Sox, where he served as the team's hitting coach for three years ultimately helping the Red Sox capture the AL East in 1990.

In 1995, Hebner rejoined the Toronto Blue Jays organization as the manager of the AAA affiliate Syracuse Chiefs. He served two years as manager of the Chiefs before moving on to manage the Nashville Sounds, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Pacific Coast League in 2000. Hebner spent the 2001 season as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies coaching staff.

From 2002 through 2006, the former Pittsburgh third baseman served as the hitting coach for the Durham Bulls, the AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Last season, Hebner was brought on by the Birmingham Barons, the AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, to be the team's hitting coach.

As a hitting coach, Hebner has tutored former Red Sox stars Wade Boggs, Ellis Burks, Mo Vaughn, Mike Greenwell, Dwight Evans and current Rays All-Star Carl Crawford.

The former first round draft pick made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1968 at the age of 20. Hebner spent the first nine years of his major league career with the Pirates and was the starting third baseman on the 1971 team that won the World Series. Hebner spent the last nine years of his major league career with the Phillies, Mets, Tigers, Pirates and Cubs. Over his 18 year career, Hebner hit .276 with 203 HRs, 890 RBIs and 273 doubles with a .352 on-base percentage.

During his playing career, Hebner was famous for holding a job as a gravedigger, at a cemetery owned by his father, at a time when major league ball players still held other jobs during the off-season.

The Nashua Pride Professional Baseball Club, entering its eleventh season, provides a fun, affordable, community-based and fan-friendly source of sports entertainment. The 2007 Can-Am League Champions will be participating in its third year of play in the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball.

truebluefan

Frontier League


LOVES PARK, Ill. - The Rockford RiverHawks have picked up a former high-round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The RiverHawks announced Monday that they have acquired veteran pitcher Robert Wooley from the Sioux City Explorers of the independent American Association in exchange for future considerations.

Wooley, a 22-year-old right-hander, was selected by the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2003 draft. He spent the following four seasons in the Milwaukee chain and topped out at West Virginia of the Class A South Atlantic League.

Wooley will be returning to the Frontier League. He spent the first two months of the 2007 season with the Southern Illinois Miners. He was 4-2 with a 3.51 earned-run average in 10 starts. After a July trade to the Explorers for a player to be named later, Wooley was 3-1 with a 6.92 ERA in nine appearances.

Wooley is 20-21 with a 4.56 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 2-to-1 in his professional career. The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 16th season this summer. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Most games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM) and the internet. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.

truebluefan

Frontier League

The Gateway Grizzlies announced that they will host the U.S. Military All-Stars in an exhibition game Sunday, May 18th at GCS Ballpark. Game time is set for 5:05 p.m.

Founded in 1990, the historic "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" has become one of the most popular summer exhibitions in the world, enjoyed by over 25 million Americans.

Now in their 19th season, the U.S. Military All-Stars continue to appear at numerous major and minor league stadiums while visiting over 25 states and playing 75-100 games each year. The tour serves to promote the awareness and support of our troops.

"It's an honor for the Grizzlies to host this event", Grizzlies General Manager Tony Funderburg said. "It is a small way of saying thank you for everything the troops do for us."

Tickets for the contest go on sale Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00 a.m. Ticket prices are the standard Gateway Grizzlies price. Military personnel will receive a $5.00 field box ticket with valid Military identification.

The Grizzlies were West Division Champions in 2007. They will play their eighth Frontier League season in 2008. Season tickets and group outings are currently available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000, or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office.

truebluefan

Frontier League

Crestwood, IL - The 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts professional baseball team has announced that bench coach Mike Kashirsky has signed a two-year extension of his contract. Kashirsky is the only uniformed person to remain from when the club was rebranded the Windy City ThunderBolts prior to the 2004 season.

Last season Kashirsky helped oversee the Frontier League's largest single-season turnaround, as a club that had never had a winning record and was 13-games under .500 in 2006 set a League record with 68 victories while winning the Central Division title and Frontier League Championship.

Kashirsky came to the ThunderBolts after a playing career that saw him lead St. Joseph's College to the 1998 North Central Region championship and a fifth-place finish in the NCAA Division II World Series. Kashirsky signed as a non-drafted free agent with the Chicago White Sox and spent 1999 with their Arizona Rookie League team. He also spent time with the Cook County Cheetahs of the Frontier League along with the Mariana Braves of the Italian Baseball League and the Montreal Royals of the Canadian Baseball League.

Kashirsky was recently named JUCO Division II Coach of the Year by the Pitch & Hit Club for his work as Head Coach at Moraine Valley Community College. He is currently an assistant coach at Robert Morris College along with teaching Physical Education at Martino Junior High School in New Lenox.

"I'm thrilled about returning to the ThunderBolts and looking to defend our Championship," exclaimed Kashirsky. "I've had several good talks with our new field manager, Brian Nelson, and can't wait for the season to start."

"I'm counting on Mike to play a key role on our coaching staff this season," commented Nelson. "His enthusiasm and knowledge of both baseball and the Frontier League make Mike a huge asset and great resource for me."

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. Windy City opens the 2008 season on May 21, with the home opener on Tuesday, May 28 against Evansville. For more information, please contact the ThunderBolts at 708.489.2255 or visit Windy City Thunderbolts.

truebluefan

Frontier League

TRAVERSE CITY - The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced the signing of outfielder Mike Epping to a 2008 contract.

Epping was selected in the 13th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres and his first assignment was with the short season-A Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League. Epping hit .265 in 68 games that season, with 16 doubles, 3 home runs, and 17 stolen bases while leading the league in runs scored (53) and finishing fourth in walks (34).

Last season, Epping took a wild ride through the Padres system - he started the year in extended spring training and finished the year as the center fielder for the Portland Beavers, the Padres triple-A affiliate and one step below the Major Leagues. Epping's first assignment after being in extended spring training was with the class low-A Fort Wayne Wizards of the Midwest League. In 34 games in Fort Wayne Epping hit .217 in 115 at-bats with 8 doubles, 4 home runs, 17 runs, 15 RBI, and 5 stolen bases. His play earned him a promotion to the class high-A Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League, however, Epping only played in two games before being promoted all the way to the class triple-A Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. Epping played well in his 25 game stint in Portland, hitting .263 with a home run in his first 13 games before hitting a cold streak to end the season.

Epping is a 5'11" 190-pound native of Oklahoma City and played his college ball at the University of New Orleans. His senior season at New Orleans he was a 2nd Team All-American in NCAA DI while ranking 3rd nationally in stolen bases (42) and 23rd in batting average (.400). Epping's incredible season also included 12 doubles, 8 home runs, 56 runs, and 58 RBI.

Epping, who has great range in the outfield, is expected to step in as the Beach Bums' everyday center fielder and hit in the top third of the order. In addition to the quality of his work on the field, Epping was also recognized for his work off the field, earning the Padres' Community Involvement Award in 2007 for helping out with local Little Leagues in the Fort Wayne area.

"Mike Epping is an exceptional signing for us," said Beach Bums' Director of Baseball Operations and Hitting Coach Jason Wuerfel. "His numbers, accolades, and experience speak for themselves. He can run the ball down in the outfield, he can handle the bat, and he can terrorize opposing teams on the bases. We are very excited to get him in a Beach Bums' uniform in 2008."

truebluefan

Frontier League


MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired the rights to catcher Jake Smith from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the Northern League for a Player to be named later.

Smith played his college baseball at SIU Edwardsville and played his first two professional seasons in Sioux Falls, the first season under current Miners Manager Mike Pinto.

"Jake was with me two seasons ago," Pinto said. "And I know what I am getting. He is an excellent catch and throw catcher and has the ability to shut down a running game. His experience in an older league will help him here. He has caught two former major league pitchers over that time. That has given him invaluable lessons in pitch selection."

With the loss of Rob Wirth and Jason Arrowood to the league age limit following the 2007 season, the Miners were left without a catcher on the 2008 roster.

In his two seasons at SIUE, Smith hit .291 with an on base percentage of .359. He received all- Great Lakes Valley Conference honors following the 2006 season.

"Jake is a quality young man who really wanted to come to the Miners," Pinto said. "I am glad we were able to get this deal done."

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

Frontier League

The Gateway Grizzlies announced today that they have re-signed All-Star first baseman Mike Breyman. 2008 will mark Breyman's fifth season in a Grizzlies uniform.

The Attica, OH native, who now resides in Shiloh, IL, began his professional career with the Grizzlies in 2004 and has played more games in a Grizzlies uniform than any other player in franchise history.

"He's the kind of guy you build a club around," Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. "We expect great things from Mike and he delivers."

Breyman enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2007, when he hit .331 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs. He was a mid-season, and post-season All-Star selection. His fine season vaulted him to the top of the club's record book in nearly every offensive category.

He now holds 13 career records for the Grizzlies, including being the all-time leader in hits (357), home runs (58) and RBIs (226). His career batting average of .334 is the best in team history. His 58 home runs are tied for third best in Frontier League history. Breyman, who has averaged 103 hits per season over his last three seasons, is just 93 hits shy of becoming the Frontier League's all-time hits leader. Fran Riordan had 449 hits in his FL career.

"He's got all of our records," Warren said. Now you're chasing guys like Fran. That's pretty special."

The Grizzlies were West Division Champions in 2007. They begin their eighth season in the Frontier League Wednesday May 21 against the Southern Illinois Miners. Season tickets and group outings are currently available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000 or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office in person.

truebluefan

Frontier League

MARION, Ill. - Starting this week fans will have a chance to buy official game worn jerseys from the Southern Illinois Miners inaugural 2007 season. Every week two jerseys will be auctioned individually on eBay.

This will be the only opportunity for Miners fans to own this unique piece of history from the team's record-breaking season at Rent One Park. All jerseys feature the official inaugural 2007 season patch sewn onto the right sleeve and come with a certificate of authenticity.

The first auctions will feature the No. 2 jersey, worn by Eric Harryman and Bryant Perdomo, and the No. 31 jersey, worn by Joey Metropoulos. The auctions of these two jerseys will begin Wednesday, Jan. 23 at noon CST and run through Saturday, Feb. 2 at noon CST.

Every week the team will auction two more jerseys. Starting Feb. 1, all subsequent jersey auctions will run from Friday at noon until the following Friday at noon.

Schedules of future jerseys available for auction will be updated periodically on the Miners website so fans are encouraged to check Southern Illinois Miners for updates.

The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.

truebluefan

Frontier League

LOVES PARK, Ill. - Chris Schutt's latest move has him headed for Road Ranger Stadium.

The veteran pitcher was traded for the second time in barely a month on Tuesday when the Rockford RiverHawks announced they had picked him up from Brockton of the independent Can-Am League in exchange for future considerations. Schutt, traded to Brockton by the Calgary Vipers on Dec. 21, was a nine-game winner in the independent Northern League last year.

Minnesota picked Schutt in the seventh round of the 2003 draft. As a rookie with the Elizabethton Twins, Schutt was both an Appalachian League all-star and a Baseball America magazine short-season all-star. He was 5-2 with a 1.98 ERA, third in the league, and a league-leading 72 strikeouts. Schutt spent four years with the Twins and got as far as Class AA New Britain.

Schutt was 9-5 with a 7.75 ERA and a save in 21 appearances, 17 as a starter, for Calgary last year.

The right-hander has a career 30-22 record with a 4.51 ERA and 14 saves. In three of his five professional seasons, he has averaged more than a strikeout an inning. The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 16th season this summer. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Most games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM) and the internet. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at Rockford RiverHawks.