Barnstormers Bring Back Sluggers
April 2, 2013 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
Sluggers Ryan Harvey and Kody Kirkland have both re-signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers for the 2013 season, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.
Harvey, 28, finished second in the Atlantic League with 27 home runs in 2012, hitting 26 of them in a 62-game stretch from June 21 thru September 13. The outfielder set a franchise record by clearing the fences in six consecutive games, August 28 thru September 2. He connected twice in the same game on four different occasions.
The native of Florida batted in excess of .300 for the first time in his professional career and drove in 79 runs on the regular season. Harvey then established a new Atlantic League record, homering five times in Lancaster's eight post-season games.
A former first round draft choice of the Chicago Cubs, Harvey once hit four home runs in one game in the Florida State League. He has also played in the Colorado Rockies organization. During this spring, he played in the Atlanta Braves organization.
"That second half that Harvey had last year where he just tore it up was amazing," said Hobson. "We're glad to have him back."
Kirkland, 29, hit .263 with 17 home runs and drove in 53 runs in 87 games for the Barnstormers in 2012 while playing third base and shortstop. The Idaho native fought through an early back strain, then hit .322 with 35 extra base hits from July 6 thru August 30. He homered twice, driving in all four runs in a 4-2 win at York on July 15.
Originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kirkland was dealt to Detroit and spent six seasons in the Tigers' organization, leading his league in triples twice. After one season split between Class AA Mississippi and Class AAA Gwinnett in the Atlanta system, the Idaho native came to the Atlantic League with Southern Maryland in 2010. He signed with Houston that season, but returned to the Blue Crabs in 2011.
"(Kirkland) put on a good spurt when he was healthy last year," said Hobson. "I am looking forward to seeing him play pain-free. He's a good enough athlete to play just about anywhere, but will probably see the most action at third base."
Lancaster now has 23 players under contract for the upcoming season.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their ninth season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.
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