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**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:12 AM

Frontier League

Florence, Ky. - The Florence Freedom has announced the addition of Jeff Kunion to the club's front office staff as the director of player procurement.

Kunion, who is based in New York, has been involved with independent professional baseball for the last 12 years, most recently with the Can-Am League's North Shore Spirit. As director of player personnel and in uniform as a coach with North Shore, Kunion helped the Spirit to three regular season championships in his four seasons with the team.

Manager Jamie Keefe is heading into his fourth season with the Freedom, and for the first time he'll be sharing the "player personnel" role. The addition of Kunion will give Keefe more of a chance to concentrate on managing the ball club on a day-to-day basis.

"There's no question, hiring Jeff is a key move for our franchise," Keefe said. "It shows a commitment by ownership and the front office to put together the best possible product we can for our fans. With Jeff as part of our organization we have another pair of eyes looking for talent and making a lot of contacts with people throughout baseball. He is a proven guy that has put championship caliber teams together from year to year since he's been in the game."

Kunion has a sports management background that he has put to full use since entering professional baseball over 20 years ago, first with the Mets organization and then as part owner and executive vice-president for the New Haven Ravens, then a Class AA affiliate of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. Kunion entered independent professional baseball in 1995.

He even spent one season as league commissioner of the independent Northeast League, which consisted mainly of teams that are now included in the Can-Am League. This season will mark Kunion's first experience in the Frontier League.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to work with the Freedom," Kunion said. "Having been in independent baseball for the last 12 years, I've watched how the Frontier League has grown by leaps and bounds since they hired Bill Lee (as commissioner). The league has developed a successful niche in independent ball by marketing the product as an entertaining brand of baseball with fun things happening at the ballpark."

Like Keefe, owner Clint Brown is in his fourth year at the helm of the Freedom. First-year general manager Kari Rumfield was brought on board in September to improve the sales and marketing aspects of the franchise. Rumfield has already put her imprint on the Freedom with the addition of a new logo and color scheme plus numerous other fan-friendly changes at the Freedom's home park, Champion Window Field.

The addition of Kunion is expected to enhance Keefe's chances of leading the Freedom to post-season play for the first time in the franchise's history.

"Jeff knows the ins and outs of independent baseball and he understands the challenges of finding quality players who can contribute at this level," Keefe said. "He'll be a great asset to our organization and also the Frontier League."

Kunion looks forward to working with Keefe to bring a winning ball club to Florence.

"My job is to help Jamie put together a club that is a winner on the field and off the field as well," Kunion said. "It's difficult for a manager to devote a lot of time to player personnel issues once the season starts and he's spending all his time on the road or at the ballpark. The season goes by very quickly, and when you lose players to injuries without being able to replace them with quality depth, it can be devastating to a ball club."

Kunion and his wife, Lydia, have two daughters: Lindsay (24) and Samantha (21). They will maintain their home in New York, though Jeff will make several trips to Florence. He will assist Keefe and his coaching staff with spring training, which begins in early May, and will pay frequent visits to watch the team play throughout the season.

"I'll be looking for players that fit in to our team," Kunion said. "Jamie and I will be in constant communication to find the best possible players we can find. We look forward to producing a winning ball club that the fans in Northern Kentucky will look forward to watching this season."

The Freedom begin the 2008 Frontier League season at home with an 11:05 a.m. EDT start on Wednesday, May 21 against the Kalamazoo Kings.

Season Tickets, group outings and ticket mini plans are on sale now! Call 859-594-HITS for more information or visit FLORENCE FREEDOM - Frontier League Independent Professional Baseball.

Florence Freedom is a member of the Frontier League, a 12-team Independent Professional Baseball League established in 1993. The Freedom play a 96 game schedule with 54 home games between late May and early September.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:13 AM

Frontier League

O'Fallon, MO - When the River City Rascals welcome in their tenth anniversary in 2008, a new section to the ballpark will also be making its debut.

Mozingo Music, a full service retailer of musical instruments, instrument rentals and repairs, and music lessons in O'Fallon, Missouri will be the sponsor of the new Mozingo Music Party Zone at T.R. Hughes Ballpark for the 2008 season.

"We are very excited about sponsoring the new Mozingo Music Party Zone at the Rascals' games this season," said Jeff Mozingo, President of Mozingo Music stores in O'Fallon and Ellisville. "We have always been about promoting the value of music education. So naturally, we're planning some great musical fun in this year's party zone."

The Mozingo Music Party Zone will host birthday parties (and parties for all celebrations!) for kids of all ages under the tents beyond the left field line. Party guests will be treated to box seat tickets, pizza, sodas, cake, a Rascals souvenir, mascot appearances and even have the chance to show off their musical talents on a performance stage with karaoke.

Mozingo Music was a big part of last season's efforts at T.R. Hughes Ballpark as "Mr. Mozingo" could be seen and heard down the left field line playing his drums between innings.

"I know Jeff loved his experience last season out here at the ballpark," Rascals' President and General Manager Steve Malliet said. "With Jeff's help, the Mozingo Music Party Zone will be one of the more enjoyable party experiences in minor league baseball."

If fans would like to host their child's birthday party, or any celebration, the Mozingo Music Party Zone can be booked by calling the Rascals at 636-240-BATS.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:14 AM

Frontier League

The Grizzlies announced today that eight players have been re-signed from last season's team that won a franchise-record 64 games and the Frontier League West Division title.

Outfielder Stephen Holdren, catcher Charlie Lisk, first baseman Josh Dietz, starting pitchers Toro Trevino and Jason Herman, as well as relievers James Hertel, Justin Staatz and Scott Chambers have all re-signed with the club for the 2008 season.

Holdren enjoyed one of the finest offensive campaigns in franchise history in 2007. Holdren hit .311 in 90 games for the Grizzlies, adding 23 home runs and a franchise-record 73 RBIs. His 23 home runs were second best on the team and in the Frontier League. His 73 RBIs tied for a team best and ranked fourth in the league.

Lisk proved to be one of the best backstops in the league last season, after being acquired in a pre-season trade with Windy City. The Charlotte, NC native was the third hardest catcher to steal against in the league. He caught 44 percent (22/50) of would-be base stealers. He also added 15 home runs and 41 RBIs at the plate. Dietz enjoyed a successful rookie campaign after signing with the Grizzlies in mid-season. The Plymouth, IN native hit .270 with a pair of home runs and 11 RBIs.

Trevino, who was also acquired in the trade that brought Lisk to town, finished second on the team with 11 wins compared to just five loses. He was also second on the team with 83 strikeouts. Herman was 5-1 with a 4.79 ERA in 17 games, 12 of them starts.

Hertel led the team in ERA, among regular players. He turned in a 1.83 ERA after joining the Grizzlies from Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. He was 7-1. Staatz turned in a pair of saves in 29 games with the Grizzlies. He began the year with the Washington WildThings. He struck out 48 hitters in 45.2 innings pitched, but was just 1-5. Chambers tossed just three games for the Grizzlies, after joining the team in late August. He was 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 innings pitched.

None of the players are guaranteed a spot with the club for the season. All three players will participate in spring training, which begins Wednesday May 7.

The Grizzlies being their eighth Frontier League season May 21 when they host the Southern Illinois Miners.

Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are currently on sale and are available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000 or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office in person.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:15 AM

Frontier League

Crestwood, IL - The 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts professional baseball team has announced that infielder Josh Horn and right-handed pitcher Brock Hunton have agreed to contracts for the 2008 season. Both Horn and Hunton represented the ThunderBolts in the 2007 Frontier League All-Star Game.

Josh Horn made his professional debut with Windy City last season, finishing with a .302 batting average, 19 doubles, seven home runs, and 53 RBI splitting time between second and third base. Horn came to the ThunderBolts out of Middle Tennessee State University, where former 'Bolts field manager Andy Haines served as his hitting coach. Horn hit .330 with 15 doubles, six home runs, and 37 RBI during his senior season with the Blue Raiders.

Brock Hunton also made his professional debut last season. Hunton, who was the second overall pick in the 2007 Frontier League Draft, posted a 10-6 record with a 2.96 ERA (7th in the Frontier League) while striking out 98 batters (fourth in the FL) and walking only 36 in 100.1 innings. Hunton pitched collegiately at the University of North Alabama, combining for a 14-6 record and 3.61 ERA in two seasons while setting the Lions career record with 194 strikeouts.

"I am really excited to have both Josh and Brock back with the Thunderbolts," commented field manager Brian Nelson. "Josh will be making the full-time switch to 2nd base and Brock will be a top of the rotation starter for the 2008 Thunderbolts. The leadership and success they both had on the field put them at the top of the list to resign for 2008."

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** · 01-29-2008, 08:16 AM

Frontier League

LOVES PARK, Ill. - Derrick Ellison is getting another shot at affiliated baseball.

The Chicago Cubs signed the former Rockford RiverHawk last week and Ellison will head to Arizona for the Cubs' minor-league spring training, which starts in March. It's the second time the left-handed reliever has been signed by a major-league organization. He spent a month in the high Class A California League after Seattle signed him off the Rockford roster during the 2005 season.

Ellison is one of five former RiverHawks who will start spring training as property of a major-league team. Three of them will be in Mesa with the Cubs. The other two, longtime staff ace Tanner Watson and late-season pitching pickup Reed Dickert, were picked up by the Cubs over the last two months.

Shortly after the 2007 season ended, Oakland signed Alexandria lefty Justin Dowdy from the United League and San Francisco picked up Nashua shortstop Olmo Rosario from the Can-Am League. Both, like Ellison, were members of Rockford's 2004 Frontier League championship team.

Ellison was 5-2 with a 3.35 earned-run average for Joliet of the independent Northern League last season. With the RiverHawks in 2004-05, Ellison was a combined 6-6 with three saves and a 4.18 ERA in 56 appearances. He was the team's primary left-handed setup man in 2004 and was briefly the team's closer in 2005. 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** · 01-29-2008, 08:17 AM

Frontier League

TRAVERSE CITY - The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced a trade that will send RHP Zack Kalter to the Orange County Flyers of the Golden League for OF/C Johnny Coit and a player to be named.

"Zack approached us this off-season and expressed his interest in playing closer to home," said Beach Bums' Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel. "We hate to see him go, but we also wanted to do what was best for his career. Orange County is just a few minutes from his home and it made more financial sense for him to play there. His family will be able to see him play on a regular basis."

Kalter, who primarily played outfield for the Beach Bums in 2007, will head to Orange County and concentrate on pitching in 2008. Kalter played in 94 games for the Beach Bums last season, and finished 3rd on the team in average (.304), 1st in doubles (24), 1st in triples (4), and 1st in RBI (54). Kalter also made 3 pitching appearances, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 4 innings with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.

"Zack has made a commitment to pitching and I think he has big league potential," said Wuerfel. "He works hard, takes care of his body, and competes every day. I am confident he will be just as successful in his professional pitching career as he was as an outfielder."

In return for Kalter, the Beach Bums acquired OF/C Johnny Coit, who split time between the St. George Roadrunners and the Orange County Flyers in 2007. In 50 games Coit hit .265 in 155 at-bats with 10 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs, 22 RBI, 4 stolen bases, and 21 walks, good for a .367 on-base percentage. Coit also has good range in the outfield and a strong arm behind the plate - he led the Golden League last year when he threw out 32.4% of base runners attempting to steal.

The 5'10 195-pound Coit is from El Cajon, California, and played collegiately for Cal State Northridge. In three seasons at Northridge, Coit hit .293 with 17 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 58 RBI, and 63 walks against just 70 strikeouts in 135 games. He also stole 15 bases during his career.

"Coit is a versatile athlete that could really help us," said Wuerfel. "When you only have a 24-man roster with no farm system to draw from when injuries pop up, it is a huge benefit to have guys that can play multiple positions. Coit adds a solid left-handed bat to the lineup and we know we can stick him in the outfield or behind the plate without missing a beat."

The Beach Bums will also receive a player to be named later in the deal.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:18 AM

Atlantic League

The York Revolution has signed its first player for the 2008 season, inking left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin to a contract, it was announced today by director of baseball operations Adam Gladstone. The seven-year major league veteran holds the distinction of being the first starting pitcher in Revolution history, having gotten the nod on May 4, 2007.

Last season, Franklin held the staff's best winning percentage, compiling an 8-3 record during two stints with York. He posted a 4.19 ERA over 16 appearances, 13 of which were starts.

Franklin notched the first win in team history on May 9, 2007, and went 2-0 in May before signing a contract to pitch in Taiwan's major league. Franklin returned to York on August 1, and won the first two starts of his return stint to improve to 4-0. The southpaw was also the winning pitcher in York's final game of the inaugural season, firing eight shutout innings in a 1-0 win at Long Island.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring back a recognizable name like Wayne who played such a big role in our inaugural season," said Revolution general manager Matt O'Brien. "He was a consummate professional for us on and off the field, and I believe our fans will truly enjoy having him back in York for another season."

Franklin, who will turn 34 on March 9, has pitched in the majors with the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. He is 14-16 with a 5.54 ERA in 143 appearances and 40 starts in his big-league career. Franklin is 51-31 with a 3.19 ERA in the minors.

The York Revolution Professional Baseball Club is a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and owned by Opening Day Partners. Home games are played at Sovereign Bank Stadium, located at 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401. For more information, please call 717-801-HITS (4487), or visit the Revolution online at York Revolution - York, PA Baseball.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:19 AM

Atlantic League

In a move widely discussed in baseball circles for the past several months, the York Revolution in conjunction with the Baltimore Orioles today announce that infield/bench coach Ryan Minor will be joining the Delmarva Shorebirds, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Minor joins manager Ramon Sambo's coaching staff in Salisbury, Maryland, Ryan's home town.

He also rejoins the organization with which he made his major league debut. Minor played in Delmarva as a key member of the 1997 South Atlantic League championship team, where he also met and married wife Allison. The couple and their daughter live in Salisbury.

The Orioles had inquired with the Revolution about Minor's availability. The 33-year-old had signed to return to York in 2008, but the Revolution granted permission for him to pursue the Delmarva opportunity. York's ownership, which includes Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson, maintains a close working relationship with the Orioles. The group previously owned several of the Orioles minor league affiliates, including Delmarva.

"Ryan is going to be missed on the coaching staff and in the York community," commented York manager Chris Hoiles, also a former Oriole. "Ryan is a good person, he has a very good baseball mind, and I loved having him sit beside me in the dugout, offering his advice on various situations that would come up during the course of a game. This move gives Ryan a chance to coach in his hometown and further his dream of returning to the big leagues as a coach or manager."

The announcement comes one day after the Revolution announced its first player signing of the 2008 season, inking left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin to a contract. Now, the team embarks on a search to fill Minor's spot on the coaching staff.

"When Ryan accepted a position to coach two years ago after he stopped playing, we hoped that eventually an opportunity like this would come to him," stated Revolution director of baseball operations, Adam Gladstone. "We are extremely excited that his hard work over the last couple of years has gotten him this opportunity."

Minor was drafted by Baltimore in the 33rd round of the 1996 draft, and made his big-league debut two years later with the Orioles. He is widely remembered for replacing Cal Ripken, Jr. in the starting lineup at third base the night that Ripken ended his consecutive games played streak.

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:20 AM

Atlantic League

The Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball have named Mike Church as Manager of Player Procurement. Church was the former manager and hitting coach for the New Haven County Cutters where he was responsible for their player scouting and recruiting. He was hired as the Cutters hitting coach in 2004 under manager Jarvis Brown and became the field manager the following season, guiding the Cutters to the postseason in 2005 and 2006. Church also represented the Can-Am League as manager during the Can-Am/American Association All-Star Game in 2006.

Church has both played and coached throughout the northeast since the early 1990's. He played collegiate baseball at both Western Connecticut State University and Central Connecticut State University before graduating from Central CT in 1996. He was also an assistant coach for Central CT from 1995-1999. Church played for several playoff teams throughout the Northeast League from 1995-2001. He has two championships to his credit as the starting catcher for both the Adirondack Lumberjacks in 2000 and the New Jersey Jackals in 2001. Church was a Northeast League All-Star in 2001 for his contributions to the championship team.

In 2002, Church helped create the Diamond Kings Baseball and Softball Academy. He became an owner, operator, and instructor at the full-time baseball and softball training facility, a role he still holds presently.

"We are very excited to have Mike on board with us," said Todd Marlin, General Manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish. "He's a hard worker who will certainly contribute to our team and we look forward to having him as part of our organization for the 2008 season and beyond."

**truebluefan** · 01-29-2008, 08:20 AM

Atlantic League

Bridgewater, NJ- In celebration of the Tenth Season Celebration of Commerce Bank Ballpark, the Somerset Patriots have announced that the team will install a brand new high-definition digital scoreboard designed and manufactured by Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, S.D for the 2008 season.

The high-definition technology of the new scoreboard model is currently being used by the Pittsburgh Steelers with installations this spring by the Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Indianapolis Colts. The scoreboard model is also the same that will be used by the New York Mets and the New York Yankees when their new ballparks open in 2009.

"We felt that this was a great time to install the new state-of-the-art high definition scoreboard to add to our fans' enjoyment of the Somerset Patriots experience. Entering our tenth season at Commerce Bank Ballpark, we wanted to upgrade certain aspects of the ballpark to keep the entertainment value at its highest possible level. The scoreboard has always been a big part of the entertainment here and this new scoreboard is going to take us to a whole other level as it will be one of the best throughout all of sports," said Patrick McVerry, President/ General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

The state-of-the-art system features the latest Daktronics video technology with the capabilities to present live and recorded video images, colorful animation and vivid graphics with incredible brightness and wide-angle visibility. The video display is approximately 36 feet wide by 13 feet high. Daktronics HD-X technology offers a long lifetime with minimal maintenance and low power consumption, providing value and excitement for years to come.

The Patriots are also adding a full color, digital LED lower board to the replace the current section of the scoreboard. The lower board display will measure approximately 36 feet wide and three feet high. The display uses LED technology to present images and information with wide-angle visibility and incredible brightness for even greater flexibility of messages.

The line score portion of the scoreboard will also be upgraded with LED technology to better display the balls, strikes, outs, runs, hits, errors, and the player at bat.

The installation will be about a two-week process beginning on April 1st to be ready for the middle of April.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots schedule has been released and can be viewed at somersetpatriots.com: Home. The Somerset Patriots have placed Season Tickets and Group Tickets on sale for the upcoming All-Star Season. For more information, call (908) 252-0700 or visit somersetpatriots.com: Home.

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