20-Game Winners Top Poll
Published on May 12, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - The Rockford RiverHawks' all-time strikeout leader is the top pitcher in team history, according to fans.
The RiverHawks announced Thursday that Garrett Bauer is the top starting pitcher on the All-Time RiverHawks Team, presented by The Hemmens Cultural Center, Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet and Johnny Pamcakes. More than 60,000 votes were cast at the team website, RockfordRiverHawks.com.
In celebration of its 10th season, the RiverHawks are offering fans the chance to decide who is the greatest player in team history at each position, from starting pitcher to shortstop to outfield.
Bauer drew more than half of 61,546 total votes. The three 20-game winners in team history took the top three spots in polling. Bauer took home 54 percent (33,198 votes), Kyle Wright earned 24 percent (14,785) and Tanner Watson received 13 percent (7,912). Jason Shelley, the 2003 Baseball America magazine Independent Leagues Player of the Year, was fourth, with five percent (3,124). Josh Tomsu got four percent (2,500). Bryan Batthauer (eight votes), Brett Durand (six), Justin Dowdy (four), Frank James (three), Derek Roper (three) and Scott Sobkowiak (three) each drew less than one percent.
Bauer was a starter in the 2006 Frontier League All-Star Game. The lefty won 23 times in three seasons, second in the record books. No pitcher in team history started more games than Bauer, and he holds seven career records, including strikeouts (317). On July 1, 2008, he struck out five batters in an inning, just the fourth occurrence in nearly 150 years of pro baseball and the first time it had happened in a Frontier League game.
Voting will switch to a new position approximately every 7-10 days. Winners will be announced at the end of each voting period and all will be acknowledged at a game this summer with an all-time RiverHawks poster, co-sponsored by Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet, The Hemmens and Johnny Pamcakes, to be given out at the June 10 game.
The Hemmens Cultural Center is located in downtown Elgin. From contemporary music and theatre to shows for the whole family, The Hemmens features popular acts in an intimate setting.
Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet of Rockford is Winnebago's County's premier Chevy dealer. Lou Bachrodt is located near Cherryvale Mall, just minutes from the stadium.
Johnny Pamcakes, located on E. State St. near Fairview, offers made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch and dinner.
More than 300,000 votes have already been cast in the promotion. Other players already voted onto the all-time team include catcher Kevin Ciarrachi, first baseman Patrick O'Sullivan, second baseman Joe Anthonsen, shortstop Jono Brooks, third baseman Ben Fjelland and outfielders Richard Austin, Jason James and Tony Pigott.
Opening Night for the RiverHawks' 10th season is 7:05 p.m. Friday, May 20, when they host Traverse City. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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