For real, JackHammers sign lefty
Published on March 2, 2005 under Northern League (NL) News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers re-signed left-handed pitcher Luis Villarreal (pronounced: Vee uh ree all) who joins a handful of returning players from the 2004 JackHammers. The 2005 season is scheduled to begin at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20 when the JackHammers host the Gary SouthShore (IN) RailCats at Silver Cross Field in Joliet's City Center.
Villarreal joined the JackHammers late last season, on August 21 to be precise. In four appearances (three starts), he was 0-and-1 with a 4.58 ERA and struck out 14 batters in 19.2 innings. Villarreal played on three teams last season including Windy City and Springfield-Ozark of the independent Frontier League.
The 2005 season will be his fourth in pro baseball. Originally, the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 20th round of the 2002 June draft. He pitched for two Red Sox Single-A levels in two seasons before moving into the independent ranks. Through 62 career appearances (53 starts), Villarreal is 17-and-20 with a 4.53 ERA, 99 walks allowed, 172 runs allowed (147 earned) and 225 strikeouts in 292 innings pitched.
Villarreal stands 6'1" and weighs 220 pounds. He bats and throws left-handed. He was born on December 20, 1979 (25 years old) in San Antonio, Texas where he also currently resides.
"We expect him to be one of our starters this season. After [Brian] Mazone got picked up last season, he came in and showed us what he could do. He has a good fastball and a good breaking ball," said Jeff Isom, the JackHammers manager.
LOOSE GRAVEL: The JackHammers are looking for a public address announcer, and there will be two open tryouts to find that certain voice. The two PA announcer open tryout dates will be at Silver Cross Field and are on Tuesday, March 15 (check-in at 6 pm) and Saturday, March 19 (check-in at 10 am). The tryouts are free of charge, but please bring a resume. A script will be provided. The JackHammers front office staff has the challenge of being the judges. The final two candidates will be featured on 1340 WJOL's Scott Slocum show. Applicants must come ready to talk.
One of the many perks to being a JackHammers full season ticket holder is that your unused tickets can be exchanged for tickets to future JackHammers games (during the same season). Thus, your season tickets are never really "unused." Contact the JackHammers ticket office for additional season ticket holder benefits at 815-726-BALL (2255) or visit www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
Northern League Stories from March 2, 2005
- Vipers Name Manager - Calgary Vipers
- RailCats Add Power, Speed - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Taste of T-Bones Coming Soon - Kansas City Monarchs
- For real, JackHammers sign lefty - NL
- Lanier fills a tall order with signing of Pilkington - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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