Former .400 Hitter Returns
Published on December 22, 2005 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
SCHAUMBURG, IL- The Schaumburg Flyers have made a key addition to the nucleus of their 2006 club by re-connecting with a familiar name from successful seasons of the past. OF Ben Van Iderstine, a member of the Flyers over 64 games in 2003-04, has signed with Schaumburg for the 2006 season. The corner outfielder left the Flyers for the Milwaukee organization on June 30, 2004 and remained in the Brewers farm system through the 2005 season. He spent most of last season at Class AA Huntsville, batting .262 in 84 games at that level.
Van Iderstine, 27, played a key role in back-to-back Flyer playoff appearances in his previous Schaumburg stint. He joined the Flyers on July 29, 2003, quickly played his way into the lineup and finished the year as the right fielder during postseason action. Van Iderstine returned to Alexian Field to start 2004 and batted 400 with 5 HR-21 RBI and 36 runs scored in 37 games. He left for affiliated ball as the Northern League's leading hitter at that point of the season. "When I left the Northern League, I always kept the Flyers in the back of my mind," said Van Iderstine in a phone interview on Wednesday. "I like the people, it's a great city, a great fan base and I really love playing for Andy McCauley. The Flyers have been loyal to me in the past so I always felt I would return that loyalty if I became a free agent again."
Van Iderstine's contributions in 2004 played a key role in Schaumburg's eventual South Division first half title and subsequent trip to the playoffs. The Flyers made their way to the '04 Northern League Finals before losing to St. Paul. "I've kept tabs on the team and I know things didn't go like they hoped last year," said Van Iderstine. "I've only been on a playoff team once in my career, with the Flyers in '03, so I'm hoping to get back there. Hopefully, I can put up decent numbers and help us have a successful season."Van Iderstine played with current Flyers Geoff McCallum and Brett Gray on Team Canada at last September's World Cup of Baseball in the Netherlands. The Regina, Saskatchewan native will enter his sixth professional season in 2006. The outfielder bats right-handed and throws left-handed. Van Iderstine has previous independent pro experience in the Frontier and Canadian Leagues. He played college ball in the U.S. at Iowa State.
The Flyers open their eighth Northern League season on Thursday, May 18, 2006 (Vs. Kansas City). For ticket information, please call (847) 891-2255 or visit flyersbaseball.com. Alexian Field will be open on all business weekdays during the holiday period with the exception of Monday, January 2, 2006. Regular business resumes on Tuesday, January 3.
Notes: Former Flyers Evan Fahrner (2001-03) & Jim Rushford (1999) have seen action in the Mexican Pacific League this fall...Fahrner, a former Schaumburg closer, is pitching at Mochis while ex-major leaguer Rushford is playing first base at Hermosillo...
Northern League Stories from December 22, 2005
- Cracker-Cat Management Returns From Baseball Winter Meetings - Edmonton Capitals
- Former .400 Hitter Returns - Schaumburg Flyers
- Vipers Sign Closer - Calgary Vipers
- Cracker-Cats Sign Canadian Lefty - Edmonton Capitals
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