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Bangor Middle Infield to have Far East Flavor

March 19, 2003 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Bangor Lumberjacks News Release


Bangor, ME- The Bangor Lumberjacks continued to fill out their 2003 roster today, as the Northeast League club announced the re-signing of SS Mitsuru Kobayashi and 2B Kenichi Miura. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

A native of Kanagawa, Japan, Kobayashi played last season with the Adirondack Lumberjacks, the club that relocated to Bangor for the 2003 season. As the Lumberjacks starting shortstop, Kobayashi hit .270 with 23 RBI's and 18 stolen bases. The 5-8, 160 pound speedster also scored 73 runs from the lead-off position, good for second in the league and a franchise record. Mitsuru also finished fifth in the league in walks with 55 and second in games played, with 89, while committing just 29 errors in 428 total chances.

Acquired by Adirondack in a trade with the Lincoln (NE) Saltdogs during the 2001 season, Kobayashi struggled at the plate, but continued to display spectacular defense, ranging in the holes to take away potential hits.

"We're very happy to have Mitsuru back. He really came into his own as a solid Northern League player last season," stated Lumberjacks Manager Kash Beauchamp. "He has the ability to make the great play, has good range and good hands, and was a great leadoff hitter. He set the table for our offense last year. He is a joy to manage because of his attitude and desire."

2003 will be the 24 year-old Kobayashi's third season in professional baseball in America.

Miura, a rookie, joins the Lumberjacks from the International Baseball Academy of Japan. He is expected to fight for a starting job in the Jacks infield this season, and possess some pop in his bat.

"We've heard very good things about Kenichi, and we are happy to have him as a Lumberjack. I'm sure he and Koby will make for a very solid middle infield," stated Jacks General Manager Curt Jacey.

The Lumberjacks open the 2003 campaign on the road against the Allentown (PA) Ambassadors on Thursday, May 22, but return to Bangor for the home opener on Friday, May 30 at 7 PM against the New Jersey Jackals at Mahaney Diamond. Please call 207-947-1900 for all ticket, promotional, and sponsorship information.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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