Ace Ryan Bird Back For 2010
January 19, 2010 - Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have announced that their, ace Ryan Bird, will return in 2010 for his third season with the ballclub. The 25-year-old righty is the team's all-time leader in wins (22), strikeouts (249) and innings pitched (229.1).
"I'm excited to be back," Bird said. "The fans in Southern Illinois are great, and if you look at the offseason moves, we should have a good team and a good season this year."
In 2008 Bird received the Brian Tollberg Award, which is presented annually to the Frontier League's most valuable pitcher. That season he went 13-3 with a 2.48 ERA and struck out 152, four shy of the league record.
He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization following the 2008 season and spent that offseason pitching for the Cardinals winter league team in Columbia. He rejoined the Miners after he was released during the final week of Cardinals spring training.
Bird won his first six decisions in 2009 to extend his personal winning streak to a Frontier League record 17 games. Despite battling fatigue from a busy offseason, he still posted nine wins, a 3.48 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 106 innings as the Miners finished the season one game out of a playoff spot.
"Last year it was a tough ending to a good season," Bird said. "As soon as the offseason started, I couldn't wait to get back at it and get back to the playoffs again this year."
With a full offseason of rest for 2010, he looks to once again be one of the most dominant pitchers in league history.
"Ryan has been an ace for us the last two seasons," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "He is one of those guys that when he has the ball you know that you have the chance to win that night. It's not just his stuff, but his approach and command of the strike zone. Ryan leads our pitching staff not only with his performance but also with his daily work ethic. I am confident that with having a full offseason to recover that he will come back stronger than ever, ready to lead this pitching staff."
The Miners open the season on May 20 at home against River City. For a complete schedule and the latest news on the Miners and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from January 19, 2010
- Cornbelters Announce Partnership With Community Cancer Center - Normal CornBelters
- Wild Things Begin to Re-Make 2010 Roster - Washington Wild Things
- Ace Ryan Bird Back For 2010 - Southern Illinois Miners
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