Brase, Jones Picked up by Diamondbacks
September 22, 2014 - Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
Marion, Ill. (September 22, 2014) - The Southern Illinois Miners had a historic season in 2014, complete with 60 wins, a division title and several milestones along the way. Now, that list includes two more players headed to a major league organization, as Stew Brase and Matt Jones have both been picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
They become the 37th and 38th Miners in the eight-year history of the franchise to have their contracts purchased by a major league organization. Their signings also bring the total number of Miners signed in 2014 to seven, more than any other year in the franchise's history, and represent the first Miners signed by Arizona since Clay Zavada in 2007, who eventually made it to the major leagues with the Diamondbacks.
A hard-throwing right-hander with a power slider, Brase was tremendous out of the bullpen this year for Southern Illinois. Across 46 appearances, mostly as the set-up man, Brase owned a 1.43 ERA in 44 innings pitched, striking out 41 and giving up only 32 total hits. He also earned two saves on the season.
"Stew had an outstanding year for us and continued to improve throughout the season," Miners manager Mike Pinto said. "He was an important go-to guy this year for us. His hard work with (pitching coach Preston Vancil) and perseverence earned him this chance with the Diamondbacks. We couldn't be more excited for him."
As a true rookie catcher out of Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Jones came to the Miners mid-season and established himself as a reliable option behind the plate. In 28 games, Jones hit .301 with two homers and 15 RBIs, one of five Miners to break the .300 plateau for the season.
"Matt came in and did a great job for us from day one, and he certainly earned this opportunity with the Diamondbacks as well," Pinto said. "He showed well at their invite tryout and demonstrated his abilities both defensively and offensively. We are very happy for him."
Be sure to follow the Miners this offseason at southernillinoisminers.com and also on social media on Facebook and Twitter (@SIMiners) as they prepare for 2015!
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2012 Frontier League Champions and have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception. They also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, please contact the Rent One Park box office at 618-998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.
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