Four Former JackHammers Thriving In Affiliated Ball
April 27, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - The first month of the season is winding down for Major League Baseball and their affiliates, including four former JackHammers. Southpaw pitcher, Tim Byrdak, is currently with the Houston Astros while fellow lefty hurlers, Brian Mazone and Derrick Ellison, are in Triple-A and Double-A respectively. The fourth pitcher, Taylor Wilding, is also at the Double-A level.
Byrdak, 36, was a member of the 2003 JackHammers, going 2-1 with a 2.67 earned-run average in five games (all starts). Tim is back with the Houston Astros for his third season in 2010, after appearing in a career high 76 games in 2009. He finished with a 1-2 record and 3.23 ERA. Byrdak has appeared in 279 games in eight Major League seasons, compiling a 7-8 mark with a 4.45 ERA. The Rice University product is 1-0 this season with a 3.68 ERA in nine games.
Mazone is one of the most accomplished pitchers in JackHammers' history, tossing three seasons for the Orange Crush from 2002-2004. The 33 year old holds four single season records: wins (15), ERA (1.73), complete games (four) and shutouts (four). His four shutouts are also the most in the JackHammers history. Mazone was signed by the San Francisco Giants at the end of the 2004 season and hasn't returned to independent baseball since. He is currently with Lehigh Valley in the International League, the Philadelphia Phillies Triple-A affiliate. The southpaw is 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in four starts and has a strikeout to walk ratio of 16 to three.
The final lefty of the group, Ellison, appeared in 75 games for the JackHammers in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The 31 year old went 7-2 with a 2.43 ERA and racked up four saves. The Virginia native is 22-15 with a 3.31 ERA in nine minor league seasons. Ellison is currently with the Binghamton Mets in the Eastern League, the New York Mets Double-A affiliate. Derrick has one save and 15 strikeouts in six games this season, all out of the bullpen.
The youngest and only right-hander of the group never even appeared in a Joliet uniform. Taylor Wilding was signed before the 2009 season and had his contract purchased by the Los Angeles Angels prior to the Northern League season. Wilding, 25, was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 13th round of the 2005 draft and played four seasons in the Giants farm system. Taylor is currently with the Arkansas Travelers in the Texas League, the Angels Double-A affiliate and has appeared in seven games spanning 10.2 innings.
LOOSE GRAVEL: The Joliet JackHammers open the 2010 season on May 21st against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in North Dakota. The Home Opener is Friday, May 28th at 7:10 p.m. against the Lake County Fielders, one of two Northern League expansion teams. Season tickets, group outings and suites are available now. For more information, call the JackHammers at 815.726.BALL (2255).
Northern League Stories from April 27, 2010
- Northern League Transactions - NL
- Four Former JackHammers Thriving In Affiliated Ball - Joliet JackHammers
- RiverHawks Sign Infielder - Rockford RiverHawks
- Former Big League Starter Joining RailCats Loaded Rotation - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RailCats And Crusaders To Raise Money For Boys & Girls Clubs - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Santos Joins The Fold For 2010 Campaign - Kansas City Monarchs
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