Chicago Cubs Announce First Wave of Boise Hawks
Published on June 11, 2012 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Boise Hawks News Release
BOISE, Idaho - The Chicago Cubs have announced the initial 21 players who will wear a Boise Hawks jersey when the Northwest League affiliate opens up the 2012 season Friday night at Salem-Keizer.
Of the group, four players have worn a Boise jersey in the past, eight players have played in higher classifications, while two players will be making their professional debuts. No 2012 First-Year Players' Draft selections are on the initial roster - as 11 pitchers, one catcher, five infielders, and four outfielders head to Boise.
Pitchers Willengton Cruz, Bryce Shafer, and James Pugliese return to Boise, as does catcher Willson Contreras. Shafer had 12 saves last season with the Hawks, ranking second in the NWL, while Contreras has made a position change after playing the corner infield positions in 2011.
Shortstop Marco Hernandez highlights the experienced players, having spent the first two months of the season with the Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League - hitting .210 with two homers and 12 RBI. Pitcher Pete Levitt spent most of last season in Peoria, while converted pitcher, Matt Spencer, advanced to the AAA Iowa Cubs as a position player in 2011.
Two players will make their professional debuts in Boise - pitcher Ian Dickson and outfielder Shawon Dunston Jr. Dunston is the son of longtime MLB shortstop, Shawon Dunston.
The 21 players, along with the coaching staff, will arrive in Boise tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. and hold Media Day on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium at 2:30 p.m.
The Hawks, in their 12th season as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, open up the 2012 Northwest League season on June 15 at Salem-Keizer, with their Memorial Stadium opener on June 20 against Eugene. Single-game tickets, along with season tickets, mini-packs, bonus books, and group nights for Hawks' games are available at the Hawks box office at Memorial Stadium, by calling (208) 322-5000, or online at www.boisehawks.com.
Northwest League Stories from June 11, 2012
- Chicago Cubs Announce First Wave of Boise Hawks - Boise Hawks
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