Catalyst Milons Back For 2010
Published on January 28, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have announced that outfielder Jereme Milons will return to the team for a second season after a record-breaking first year with the Miners. In 2009 the former Dodgers draft pick hit.285 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs along with a team-record 38 stolen bases in only 44 attempts. He also set single-season team records in doubles (27) and runs scored (80).
The veteran will be entering his ninth professional season and said the decision to return to Southern Illinois was not a difficult one.
"It's a no brainer to me," Milons said. "When you have a chance to play with an organization with the standards they have here, it's tough to turn it down. I'm very happy to be back. With the team we have coming back, I think it's going to be a good year."
The versatile outfielder played portions of 29 games in left field, 41 in center field and 40 in right field. After beginning the year in the middle of the order, he spent most of the second half of the season in one of the top two spots of the lineup. Once he settled in as the everyday leadoff hitter in early August, Milons hit.328 with 21 RBIs and 16 stolen bases and 28 runs scored in his final 31 games.
"Jeremy was a quiet force for us last season," Pinto said. "Once he got comfortable, he impacted an awful lot of games for us with his bat, speed and defense. Jeremy got really hot down the stretch when we needed it most. He had some big hits at big times to help us win ballgames, and he is a quiet leader on and off the field. I honestly expect he will have an even bigger year for us this season."
Although he had his greatest success after moving to the top of the lineup, he still provided clutch RBIs. With the bases loaded, Milons went 8-for-12 with a league-leading three grand slams and 23 RBIs.
Milons will be at the top of a very potent offense that includes 2009 MVP Joey Metropoulos and all-star Brad Miller. Another big part of that offense will be all-star first baseman Ernie "The Big Cat" Banks, who officially signed his contract with the Miners this week. Banks was acquired in exchange for all-star outfielder Stephen Holdren and reliever Derrick Miramontes on Jan. 4 of this year.
The Miners open the season on May 20 at home against River City. For a complete schedule and the latest news on the Miners and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from January 28, 2010
- Catalyst Milons Back For 2010 - Southern Illinois Miners
- Crushers Announce 1st Annual Youth Baseball Camps - Lake Erie Crushers
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