Normal CornBelters Add Pitching
Published on February 22, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
NORMAL, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by the Illinois Corn Farmers, recently signed right-handed pitchers Chris Bennett and Kyffin Marcum. They also signed left-handed pitchers Jason Furrow and Jordan Crystal. The CornBelters will play the first home game of their inaugural season at the Corn Crib on Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. versus the Windy City Thunderbolts.
Bennett attended New Mexico Junior College and transferred to Northeastern State University. He played in the Independent Continental League this past season. He finished the season with a 4-0 record in 30 relief appearances. He posted a 2.31 ERA in 39 innings, allowing just 27 hits and 10 earned runs. He had a 2.94 SO/BB ratio, striking out 47 and walking just 16 while holding his opponents to a.200 BA.
"Chris will be a strong pitcher coming out of our bullpen late in games," said Manager Hal Lanier. "I really liked his arm at the tryout camp, and I'm looking for him to improve as we get closer to spring training."
Marcum attended Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. He spent the last two years with the Rockford Riverhawks of the Independent Frontier League. During that time, he appeared in 42 games and compiled an overall record of 6-1 in 42 innings.
"Kyffin is a sidearm pitcher that will get right-hand hitters out," said Lanier. "With his experience in the Frontier League, he will be good addition to our bullpen."
Furrow was drafted in the 18th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2003. He was drafted out of Judson High School in Converse, TX. He spent three years in the Orioles farm system and recently played in the Continental League. He has played in the Frontier League with the Traverse City Beach Bums and the Florence Freedom.
"Jason is one of the veteran pitchers we signed with a lot of experience," said Lanier. "He can be a starter, or a reliever, for us."
Crystal attended Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. He started his professional career with the Texarkana Gunslingers of the Continental League this past season. In his first season with the Gunslingers, he amassed a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 3.64 while striking out 29 and walking 18.
"Jordan can be a starter, or a reliever, for this team," said Lanier. "He threw hard at the tryout camp, and he had good movement on his pitches."
THE NIBLET: XX
Full season tickets, mini-plan packages and various group outings for the CornBelters inaugural season are currently on sale. To make an investment, or for more information, simply contact the CornBelters Ticket Sales Department TODAY at (309) 454-2255 (BALL), or visit their website at www.normalbaseball.com.
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