CornBelters Trade Pitcher for Three Saltdogs
Published on October 10, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
Normal, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, have traded right-handed pitcher Ryan Sheldon for outfielder Kurt Steinhauer, catcher Pat Trettel, and short-stop Travis Weaver from the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association. The CornBelters will play their first game of the 2012 season at the Corn Crib in mid-May (CEFCU Opening Night).
"Ryan has been a tremendous asset to this organization, and we appreciate his efforts," said Field Manager Chad Parker. "Having an asset like him allows us to acquire several good players to help us get this team on the right track."
Outfielder Kurt Steinhauer was selected by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft. He spent that season with the Kingsport Mets (Rookie) and the GCL Mets (Rookie) and accumulated a .328 batting average over 36 games. In 2010, he played 29 games with the Brooklyn Cyclones (Class A). He began the 2011 season with the Chico Outlaws (of the independent North American Baseball League) before joining the Lincoln Saltdogs in August. With the Saltdogs, he tallied eight RBI, seven doubles, and a .260 batting average over 23 games.
"Steinhauer had a super first year in independent baseball splitting time with Chico and Lincoln. He is a top-of-theoorder hitter that can play all three outfield positions and steal some bases," commented Parker.
Catcher Pat Trettel joins the CornBelters after being named the Lincoln Saltdogs "Rookie of the Year" in 2010. During that season, he contributed 11 HR and a .277 batting average in 38 games. He was also named one of Baseball America's Top 10 Independent League Prospects in 2010. In 2011, he amassed 12 doubles, 33 RBI, and a .237 batting average over 58 games with the Saltdogs.
"Trettel has hit for a lot of power in the middle of the line-up," added Parker.
Short stop Travis Weaver's baseball career at Bluefield College (Bluefield, VA) included a junior season of 30 RBI and a .321 batting average. He produced another 30 RBI, a HR, and a .292 batting average his senior year in 2011. This summer, he began his professional baseball career with the Lake County Fielders (North American Baseball League) and the Lincoln Saltdogs. In three games with the Saltdogs, Weaver amassed a .333 batting average.
"Weaver is a very talented true rookie short-stop that had a tremendous college career," said Parker."In these three players from Lincoln, we have a solid core of players up the middle of the field that are each very talented."
THE NIBLET: The Corn Crib will host the IHSA Class 1A Boys Soccer State Finals from 2011 to 2015. This year's finals will be Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. For more information visit http://bit.ly/nLnlkF.
Affordable ticket packages, and marketing opportunities, are available for the 2012 season and beyond. To make an investment, or for more information, simply contact the CornBelters at (309) 454-2255 (BALL), visit their website (http://www.normalbaseball.com) or stop by the Corn Crib administrative office during normal business hours. Get social with the CornBelters at www.facebook.com/CornBelters and www.twitter.com/Normal_Baseball.
Frontier League Stories from October 10, 2011
- CornBelters Trade Pitcher for Three Saltdogs - Normal CornBelters
- RiverHawks, Wallbangers set free clinic for October 23 - Rockford RiverHawks
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
- CornBelters Name Chad Parker New Field Manager - Normal CornBelters
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