Chiefs' Patterson making a name for himself
by Scott Coolbaugh
July 8, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs
Eric Patterson entered this season as "Corey's little brother". The younger sibling of the Chicago Cubs five-tool center fielder, Eric could very well end the year as Midwest League Batting Champion.
At 5'10 and just 160 pounds, Patterson roams the base paths like a gazelle. A second baseman signed out of Georgia Tech, he showcased his abilities in 2004 by stealing 48 bases in 55 attempts for the Yellow Jackets. "He battles through counts well, takes his walks and gets busy on the bases" said Chief's media manager Nathan Baliva.
Getting busy is an understatement. The Peoria second bagger is currently hitting .333 while swiping 24 bases; numbers good enough to earn him a spot on the All-Star team. Like his brother, Eric combines speed with a little pop in his bat. With 5 home runs in just 66 games, Patterson has shown the potential for 20+ home runs while hitting in the leadoff spot.
Patterson has also translated his quick feet into good defense. "He has great range at second," pointed out Baliva. "He makes good reads on grounders, dives for balls, makes over the shoulder catches to the outfield, everything you could ask from a second baseman in Low A."
As for having a famous brother, Eric doesn't make a big deal about it and concentrates on his own game. "Eric is definitely a leader in the clubhouse," said Baliva. "He is very modest, but not at all quiet. We've got a team full of funny guys and he leads the charge a lot of times. Cracking jokes on the bus, getting on guys, etc."
With focus, a likeable clubhouse personality, and raw skill, Eric has proven he's not the only Patterson on the radar and if he keeps it up, he'll be moving through the Cubs farm system in no time.
Midwest League Stories from July 8, 2005
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- Hawks Rocked By Kazmar - South Bend Silver Hawks
- Burlington Stings Beloit - Beloit Sky Carp
- Hill Leads Chiefs Past Wisconsin, 5-2 - Peoria Chiefs
- Hill too tough to climb for Rattlers - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Last inning jolt goes nowhere - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Bees Take Series Opener in Beloit - Burlington Bees
- Man with two names returns..... - Dayton Dragons
- Chiefs' Patterson making a name for himself - OSC Original by Scott Coolbaugh
- L-Kings Fall To Devil Rays In Series Finale - Clinton LumberKings
- Silver Hawks Stop Bees and Falu's Hitting Streak - Burlington Bees
- Sopko sails south as 5th Lansing player sent to Dunedin - Lansing Lugnuts
- Lugnuts head home with series win over Dayton - Lansing Lugnuts
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
