Explorers sign backstop for upcoming season
Published on March 26, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that catcher Mike Richardson will return for a second season with the club. Richardson will be the X's every-day catcher heading into spring training, which opens on April, 28th.
"With us losing Chris Grossman to the Cardinals, it gives us the opportunity to move Mike into that everyday role," comments manager Ed Nottle. "We only got to see him catch a handful of games last year, but in those games he really did a nice job with the pitching staff. Along with being a valuable player on the field, Mike is a leader in the clubhouse and a treat for a manager."
Richardson, 27, returns after appearing in 74 games with the X's last season. In that time, Mike played 45 games in the outfield, 19 as the catcher, and the other 10 games in the designated hitter role. In the 19 games that Richardson caught, the Explorers record was 13-6. For the season, Mike had a .270 batting average with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 9 homers and 33 RBI's.
Prior to joining the Explorers in 2006, Richards spent the four previous seasons in the San Diego Padres organization. During the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Richardson has spent time between the AA and AAA levels. With the Padres, Mike played mostly in the outfield even though he is a catcher by trade.
The Inverness, CA resident began his professional career in 2002 when the Padres drafted him in the 28th round of the Major League Draft.
American Association Stories from March 26, 2007
- Pels Re-sign RHP Scheafer - Pensacola Pelicans
- Saints Go Overseas For Veteran Bat - St. Paul Saints
- Explorers sign backstop for upcoming season - Sioux City Explorers
- Saltdogs Sign Lincoln Native - Lincoln Saltdogs
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