Normal CornBelters Sign Two More Arms
Published on April 22, 2013 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
Normal, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, have signed right-handed pitchers Alan Oaks and Michael Schweiss. Oaks spent the past three seasons playing within the Miami Marlins organization, while Schweiss will be entering his first professional season. The CornBelters will play their first regular season home game of the 2013 season at The Corn Crib on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. versus the Windy City Thunderbolts (CEFCU Opening Night).
Oaks was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the eighth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft from University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI). During the 2012 season, he split time between the Jupiter Hammerheads (Florida State League - Class High A), Jacksonville Suns (Southern League - Class AA) and Gulf Coast League Marlins (Gulf Coast League - Rookie). He amassed a 2-4 record, with a 6.12 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. Appearing in 35 career games, he is 4-7, with a 4.45 ERA and 76 strikeouts.
"Nick Belmonte and I got a very good report on Alan from somebody we trust," said CornBelters Field Manager, Brooks Carey. "At 6' 3," and 250 pounds, there's a lot to work with here. He has the kind of fastball that can dominate late in games in the Frontier League. I'm looking forward to working with him."
Schweiss finished up his collegiate career at University of Dallas last season. In 11 starts, he tallied a 3-5 record with a 3.54 ERA, 57 strikeouts and one complete game in 61 innings pitched. In 2011, he set the Crusaders single-season record for games pitched (25) and saves (five), and he was named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-American Team. He holds the Crusaders career record for games pitched (68) and saves (seven).
"Michael is a good young arm that we feel can contribute to our staff," said CornBelters Player Personnel Director, Nick Belmonte.
THE NIBLET : The CornBelters are currently seeking host families for the 2013 season. The "Host Family Program" provides players with a home away from home. It enables them to live with a family, couple or individual in the Bloomington-Normal area. It is derived from a variety of factors from a player's standpoint. Such factors include: the difficulty in finding a lease for just several months, the possibility of playing for the CornBelters for a limited time and/or the limited salaries that accompany professional baseball at this level of play. For more information, and a host family application, please visit http://www.normalbaseball.com/host-family/.
Frontier League Stories from April 22, 2013
- Freedom Pre-Season Rally Tuesday Night - Florence Y'alls
- Evansville Otters Re-Sign Infielder Luis Parache, Trade for RHP Mark Willinsky - Evansville Otters
- Normal CornBelters Sign Two More Arms - Normal CornBelters
- Les Turner ALS Foundation Charity Game Set for May 9 - Schaumburg Boomers
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.
