Barnstormers Sign Slugger, Bring Back Castillo
Published on March 11, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The defending Atlantic League Champion Lancaster Barnstormers have signed slugging corner infielder Henry Wrigley, obtained earlier in a trade with the Gary RailCats, to a contract for the 2015 season, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.
In addition, the Barnstormers have re-signed catcher Keith Castillo, the author of several key moments in the 2014 title run.
Wrigley, 28, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006. The right-handed hitter spent seven seasons in the Rays organization, peaking at Class AAA Durham in 2012. Over his final three years in the Tampa Bay system, the California native averaged 32 doubles, 19 home runs and 82 RBI.
Following a limited amount of play in the Colorado system in 2013, he headed to the American Association in 2014. With St. Paul and Gary, the College of San Mateo product hit .295 with 17 home runs and 79 RBI in 85 games.
"(Henry) has some really good power," said Hobson. "I look for him to be that big bopper I love to have in the middle of the lineup. Plus, I understand that for his size (6'4", 220 lb.), he's very athletic in the infield."
Castillo, also a former Tampa Bay farmhand, was an Atlantic League vagabond for much of the 2014 season. He opened the year with the Long Island Ducks and hit .216 over 35 games. The Barnstormers picked him up, and the University of Southern California product only had four at bats in two weeks before heading to Southern Maryland. When the Barnstormers again had need for a catcher, Castillo was reacquired from the Blue Crabs on August 2.
Over the remainder of the regular season, the switch hitting receiver batted .347 and followed that with a .353 mark in the post season.
He drove in the tiebreaking runs in the 12th inning at Southern Maryland on August 29, leading the Barnstormers to a franchise record eighth consecutive victory. His opposite field home run in Game Five of the opening round of the playoffs sealed Lancaster's trip to the championship series. Then, in the clincher, he singled to right in the bottom of the 12th inning, ultimately scoring the tying run on Greg Golson's double to right, setting up Gabe Jacobo's walkoff home run the following inning.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Castillo gunned down 35% of Atlantic League base stealers in 2014, one of the top marks in the league.
"(Keith) is a good catch and throw guy who came around with the bat," said Hobson. "He became a popular guy with the fans in Lancaster, and he and Juan (Apodaca) really solidify us behind the plate."
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eleventh season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.
Atlantic League Stories from March 11, 2015
- Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Intensify Opening Day Promotion - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Riversharks to Host Job Fair for 2015 Season - Camden Riversharks
- Barnstormers Sign Slugger, Bring Back Castillo - Lancaster Stormers
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