Outfielder Luce Gets Chance to Spread Wings with the Orioles
January 16, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (January 16, 2014) - The current off-season has been fast-moving and action-packed for the Wichita Wingnuts. The organization has re-signed some familiar faces, brought in plenty of new blood, and watched as some of their stars from last year have received the opportunity to join a Major League organization and pursue the ultimate dream. Today it was announced that outfielder Jake Luce joined the last group, courtesy of having his contract purchased by the Baltimore Orioles.
The 25-year old Luce (pronounced LOO-chee) finished his third season in professional baseball with the Wingnuts last year. After starting the campaign in the United League with the Brownsville Charros, he came to Wichita in a July 24th trade. It didn't take long for the left-handed hitter to make an impact. He immediately became a regular starter in the outfield and managed to tally at least one hit in nine of his first ten games with the club. The hot start was not just an illusion; Luce finished his time with the Nuts having batted .341 in 34 games with 16 RBI and ten stolen bases.
The McKinney, Texas native began his career with the Amarillo Sox, also of the American Association, back in 2012. He hit .211 in 27 games with the Wingnuts' current South Division rival after joining the team at the conclusion of his collegiate season at Elon University. The next year he played in just six games with the Rockford Aviators of the Frontier League.
Luce becomes the sixth player from the 2014 edition of the Wingnuts to be sold to a Major League organization and the 27th former Wingnut to be purchased all-time. Below is the complete list of players who have had their contracts purchased after playing in Wichita.
Wingnuts Sold to Major League Organizations
OF Dustan Mohr, 2008 - Colorado Rockies
OF Blake Gailen, 2008 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
RHP Will Savage, 2010 - Los Angeles Dodgers
RHP Ben Graham, 2010 - Washington Nationals
LHP Justin Dowdy, 2010 - Tampa Bay Rays
OF Ryan Patterson, 2011 - Arizona Diamondbacks
LHP Dustin Pease, 2011 - San Diego Padres
RHP Cephas Howard, 2011 - Texas Rangers
OF Kenny Gilbert, 2011 - Chicago White Sox
OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Cincinnati Reds
OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Philadelphia Phillies
SS Jose Martinez, 2012 - Houston Astros
LHP Nate Robertson, 2012 - Toronto Blue Jays
RHP Matt Nevarez, 2012 - Tampa Bay Rays
RHP Andrew Aizenstadt, 2012 - Philadelphia Phillies
RHP James Hoyt, 2012 - Atlanta Braves
OF David Peralta, 2012 - Arizona Diamondbacks
OF Adam Buschini, 2013 - San Diego Padres
RHP Jon Link, 2013 - Detroit Tigers
LHP Ryan Hinson, 2013 - Atlanta Braves
1B C.J. Ziegler, 2013 - Minnesota Twins
C J.T. Wise, 2014 - Texas Rangers
RHP Matt Nevarez, 2014 - Pittsburgh Pirates
RHP Jon Link, 2014 - Miami Marlins
RHP Chris Peacock, 2014 - Pittsburgh Pirates
OF Carlo Testa, 2014 - Arizona Diamondbacks
OF Jake Luce, 2015 - Baltimore Orioles
The eighth season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins on Thursday, May 21st in Joplin, with the home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes taking place on Tuesday, May 26th. For information on season tickets, group outings, and 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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American Association Stories from January 16, 2015
- Outfielder Luce Gets Chance to Spread Wings with the Orioles - Wichita Wingnuts
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