Flyers Sign Reliever Matt Bailie
Published on January 28, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
SCHAUMBURG, IL- Off-season player personnel activity is heating up in the cold of winter as Schaumburg Flyers Manager Andy McCauley assembles his 2004 roster. RHP Matt Bailie (BAILEY) will be among the new faces when training camp opens in early May. The Flyers have signed the 28-year old relief pitcher to a 2004 contract.
Bailie arrives in Schaumburg after a solid 2003 season at Berkshire in the independent Northeast League. The Oregon native went 2-1 with 13 saves and a 2.03 ERA last summer. Bailie pitched against the Flyers in 2002 during a 13-game stint with Sioux Falls. Later that season, he was acquired by Berkshire and ranked among the pitching leaders in three categories in the former Northern League-East. "I saw Matt two years ago when I was managing Quebec and I've liked him ever since," said Flyers Manager Andy McCauley. "He has the right temperament for short relief and he'll give us depth in the back end of the bullpen." Bailie joins a bullpen corps that already includes returning short men Brett Weber, Gabe DeHoyos and Dusty Keppen.
Bailie made his pro debut in the Philadelphia organization in 1998 and spent his first four professional seasons in the Phillies chain. He appeared in one âTriple A' game in 2001, pitching for Class AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Bailie opened the 2002 season at Class AA Reading and posted quality numbers before the Phillies granted him free agency. A career reliever, Bailie has come out of the bullpen in 193 of his 204 lifetime pro appearances. He played college ball at Oregon State.
The Flyers will open their sixth Northern League season on Thursday, May 20 when defending league champion Fargo-Moorhead arrives at Alexian Field. Season tickets, the newly unveiled Mini-Plan Package and group outings are on sale now at the Alexian Field offices. For more information, please call (847) 891-2255 or log on to www.flyersbaseball.com.
The Northern League enjoyed a banner 2003 as 44 players had their contracts purchased by major league organizations during the calendar year. Each of the ten clubs moved at least one player to the affiliated ranks. There are currently eight former Flyers playing or coaching in major league organizations. Three of those players came from the 2003 club, including ace closer Evan Fahrner (Cubs) and All-Star catcher Kirk Pierce (Kansas City).
Northern League Stories from January 28, 2004
- Saltdogs Acquire 2002 NL All-Star Sienko - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Les playing, more coaching - Joliet JackHammers
- Flyers Sign Reliever Matt Bailie - Schaumburg Flyers
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