Wingnuts Land Veteran Catcher
April 3, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed veteran catcher Cole Armstrong on Wednesday.
Armstrong joins the Wingnuts with four years of experience at the Triple-A level and three others in Double-A. The experienced backstop appeared in 37 games last season for the Miami Marlins' Pacific Coast League affiliate in New Orleans. In 2011, Armstrong hit .284 with nine home runs and 30 RBI in 68 games for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels). A left-handed hitter, Armstrong posted a .374 on-base percentage, a .500 slugging percentage, and hit safely in 42 of 68 contests for Salt Lake. This past fall, Armstrong helped Team Canada qualify for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
"Cole brings invaluable experience to our team behind the plate, which has always been a priority for me," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He is a left-handed bat who will be penciled into the middle of our lineup. Cole will provide leadership both on the field and in the clubhouse, and I'm very excited to see him work with our entire pitching staff."
Armstrong is entering his 11th season of professional baseball, and is a lifetime .259 hitter with 65 home runs and 314 RBI in 685 games played. The Surrey, British Columbia native has averaged 56 runs scored, 34 doubles, 16 home runs, 75 RBI, and 53 walks per 162 games in his career, while throwing out 29 percent of opposing base stealers. The 29-year-old Armstrong was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 16th round in 2003 out of Chipola Junior College in Florida. Armstrong was later selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 Rule V Draft, and was a member of Chicago's 40-man roster in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Armstrong earned all-star honors in the rookie level Appalachian League in 2004, and has twice attended Major League spring training (White Sox in 2010 and Angels in 2011).
Armstrong gives the Wingnuts 22 players officially under contract for the 2013 season. American Association teams may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which begins May 4th.
2013 Wingnuts Signings
OF David Amberson
C Cole Armstrong
IF Blake Bergeron
C Kieran Bradford
RHP Mike Burns
LHP Anthony Capra
RHP Josh Dew
RHP Lincoln Holdzkom
2B Jake Kahaulelio
SS Ryan Khoury
LHP Kristhiam Linares
IF/OF Jared McDonald
3B Abel Nieves
OF Derek Perren
LHP Daniel Schmidt
RHP Bryce Shafer
RHP Chris Smith
IF Marc Tarantola
RHP Kyle Wahl
LHP Nick Walters
C Stephen Yoo
1B C.J. Ziegler
The 2013 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins Thursday, May 16th against the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Prior to the game, a ceremony honoring the life of bench coach Brian Rose will take place.
Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted. Fans can resolve outstanding balances on cash cards from previous years until June 1st, 2013.
For season tickets, group outings, or party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
