MWL1 Peoria Chiefs

Chiefs Add First Rounder Brett Jackson

Published on July 31, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release


July 31, 2009

Chiefs Welcome First Rounder Jackson

Former Cal outfielder selected 31st overall in 2009 draft

PEORIA, IL- The Peoria Chiefs in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs have announced the addition of 2009 first round draft pick Brett Jackson. Jackson, the 31st overall selection out of California University, is expected to play center field for the Chiefs and bat in the top third in the order. He will join the Chiefs in South Bend Friday, carrying over a nine-game hitting streak from his time in Short Season Boise. To make room for Jackson, utility man Jose Made has been promoted to Class-A Advanced Daytona to fill the void of former Chief Josh Harrison, who was dealt to Pittsburgh in the John Grabow/Tom Gorzelanny trade Thursday.

Jackson joins the Chiefs after starting his professional career in Mesa in the Arizona Rookie League for three games before appearing in 24 games for Boise of the Northwest League. Combined in those 27 games, the left-handed hitting outfielder hit a whopping .343 with a homer and 19 RBI to go along with a .455 on-base percentage. The California native also swiped two bases and scored 20 runs. Jackson did not play last night for Boise and joins the Chiefs on a nine-game hit streak that included a 4-for-5 game against Vancouver on Wednesday, his final game for the Hawks. The Orinda, California native will turn 21 on Sunday and joins the Chiefs lineup for the three-game set in South Bend that begins Friday.

Jackson finished up his junior year at Cal before being drafted by the Cubs. In 53 games for the Golden Bears, he was third on the club in both batting average (.321) and home runs (8). He also drove in 41 runs, led the team with six triples and also matched the team-high in doubles with 17. The 6'2, 210 pound outfielder was named All-Pac 10 as a junior for a Cal team that finished 24-29 with just a 9-18 conference record before becoming the fourth highest draft pick in Bears baseball history. He spent last summer playing for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod League, where he was named in the eighth-best prospect in the league by Baseball America.

The newest Chief becomes the 13th Cubs first round pick to play for the Chiefs since 1985 and the 15th if you count Cubs rehabbers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. With Jackson now suiting up for Peoria, four of the last six first round picks by the Cubs have donned a Chiefs uniform, a list that also includes 2005 Chiefs home-run king Ryan Harvey, Mark Pawelek, and 2009 Midwest League All-Star Josh Vitters.

Made, a 20th round pick by Chicago in the 2007 draft, joined the Chiefs on June 21 and appeared in 15 games for Peoria. In his second season with the Chiefs, the New York native hit .273 with three runs scored and three runs driven in. His most memorable game with Peoria came on July 1, when he went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI at Kane County. The switch-hitting infielder also drove in the game-winning run on July 24 against Lansing on a four-pitch walk with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.

After being rained out last night, the Chiefs continue their now nine-game road trip Friday night at 6:30 PM CST in game one of a three-game set at South Bend. Looking for their third straight win on the trip and their eighth straight overall, Peoria will send eight-game winner and RH Aaron Shafer (8-6, 4.50) to the mound opposed by Silver Hawks RH Daniel Vasquez (3-1, 4.31). You can listen to the broadcast starting with the pre-game show at 6:15 PM CST on 96.5 FM ESPN Radio and www.peoriachiefs.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 31, 2009


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