FL Florence Y'alls

A 'Hough' Break, A New Beginning

Published on February 18, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release


Florence, KY - The 2009 season will not be as much about adapting to a new team and surroundings for this particular new Freedom player. In fact for Brad Hough, who the Freedom traded for in January, many familiar faces will be able to be seen all around him. His manager Toby Rumfield, his teammate, now hitting coach Greg Stone and teammates Jonathan and Jeff Miller were all a part of the River City Rascals with Hough in 2008. But for 2009, it will be more about picking up where June 20, 2008 left off.

As the first full month of the season was about the close Hough was hitting .330. In just 29 games he had driven in 27 runs including the game winning runs on three different occasions for the then first place Rascals.

"He had a great start last season for me," Rumfield said. "I couldn't think of anyone who was more clutch than he was that first month of the season."

But midway through the June 20 date against the Southern Illinois Miners, a collision with Miners' catcher Brendan Akashian changed the course of Hough's season.

Hough battled through, appearing in 92 games before learning after the season that he had a fracture in his wrist and that surgery would be recommended. To further show how tough a player the Freedom are getting, the versatile Hough still managed drive in 60 runs, steal 24 bases, and play six different positions all with the fracture.

"It was frustrating because I was probably in the best shape of my life entering last season," Hough said. "I had the kind of start to the season I had hoped for and I just didn't have the same strength in my swing the rest of the season."

So now Hough's 2009 off-season training and rehabilitation becomes even more crucial than 2008. After a successful surgery on October 30, Hough is just now picking up a bat and taking what are called "dry" swings. No contact, just cuts with lumber in his hands which he has not felt for nearly four months. He also hit the weight room on February 17, "for the first time in months."

"The doctor stressed to me that he didn't want me to make any contact right now," Hough said. "This time last year I began my training much earlier. I would start swinging in December and [by February] my swing would be game ready."

But Hough stresses to Freedom fans they should not worry about his health. Hough, who has played every position except first base, catcher and pitcher over his two seasons in the Frontier League, will not have to prove himself to his manager, Rumfield knows what he can do.

"When I heard Toby got the job with the Freedom, that was the number one place I wanted to play," said Hough. "I wasn't sure if I even wanted to continue playing after last season. But I've really enjoyed playing for Toby, I enjoyed the road games in Florence as a visitor and I wanted to give it another go. I'm just anxious to get out there."

For Rumfield, the decision to make a move for Hough was a no brainer.

"When he became available to be traded for it was a move I had to make," Rumfield said. "This kid is a winner and always has a great attitude. The Freedom fans will fall in love with Brad Hough."

Speaking of love, Hough became engaged to his now fiancé Cara on December 20 this past year and seeks to get hitched this coming November. So if proving he can get back to his early brilliance in 2008 and overcome off-season surgery was not enough, he now has a few 'extra' fans he will be trying to impress, otherwise known as the future in-laws.

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Frontier League Stories from February 18, 2009


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