Bolts, Hawks Make Blockbuster Trade
Published on July 17, 2005 under Frontier League (FL)
Windy City ThunderBolts News Release
Crestwood, IL - Following the conclusion of Sunday evening's game, the Windy City ThunderBolts and the Rockford RiverHawks engaged in a five player trade. Leaving Windy City and going to Rockford were All-Star outfielder Nick Johnson, and outfielder Jerome McCoy. Windy City received All-Star outfielder Doug Schutt along with right-handed pitcher Wes Mindingall and local product, as well as former ThunderBolt, Michael Lynch.
Johnson was elected to this year's Frontier League All-Star team. He had spent the past two and a half seasons in the Windy City ThunderBolts organization. During the 2005 season, Johnson started all 48 games in right field. At the plate he carried a .312 batting average as well as a team-leading seven homeruns, the seventh of which was hit on Sunday.
McCoy was in his second season with the ThunderBolts. Although he primarily played center field, he also played the infield. McCoy led the ThunderBolts in stolen bases, being a perfect 21 for 21.
Schutt, like Johnson, was elected to the Frontier League All-Star team. At the All-Star festivities, Schutt was named the fastest base runner in the league. Prior to Sunday's game against the ThunderBolts, Schutt carried a .316 average along with four home runs and 19 stolen bases in 20 attempts.
Mindingall, prior to Sunday, had thrown just 15 innings for the RiverHawks in the 2005 season. During his 15 innings, Mindingall fanned 13 batters. In 2004 he played with New Haven of the Northeast League.
Lynch returns to Windy City, the team that traded him back on June 6. Lynch, from nearby Oak Forest, hit a solid .277 with Rockford. With Windy City earlier in the 2005 season, Lynch batted a point less at .276.
In other moves for the ThunderBolts, right-hander Matt Hines and catcher Joe Neal were released on Sunday. On Saturday, outfielders Justin Niefer and Ryan Andrews, as well as pitcher Steve Ziroli, were also released.
The Windy City ThunderBolts are a member of the 12-team Frontier League. The Frontier League is an independent league with franchises throughout the upper Midwest. The ThunderBolts have full season tickets, group packages, and 10-game mini plans available for purchase. Group packages include the executive suites, pre-game picnics, birthday parties, and Field of Dreams. For tickets or more information, please call 708-489-BALL (2255), send an e-mail to info@wcthunderbolts.com, visit the team offices at Hawkinson Ford Field, or visit the team on-line at www.wcthunderbolts.com.
Frontier League Stories from July 17, 2005
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