Freedom Trade Basham To Joliet For Two New Players
Published on February 17, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release
FLORENCE, KY - The Florence Freedom have traded outfielder Ryan Basham to the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League for outfielder Kuyannis Miles and right-handed pitcher James Deighton.
Basham, a 2009 all-star and Frontier League All-Star game MVP, had to be moved due to Frontier League policy which states teams can have a mix of six 2-year and veteran status players. Basham would have entered 2010 as a 2-year status player. Currently the Freedom have seven 2-year players on their roster and will eventually have to trim that figure down further later on this off-season.
"Ryan's going to be missed," Freedom President Clint Brown said. "He's done a lot of wonderful things in a Freedom uniform and it's unfortunate we can't keep more 2-year players. But I am glad we got to trade him to a team where he can be closer to his hometown."
The Lowell, Indiana native led the Freedom in several categories during the 2009 season including hits (118), doubles (25) and at-bats (377). The veteran outfielder also leaves holding nine career team records, including games (282) and at-bats (1074). He holds career hitting records with 322 hits, 171 runs and 528 total bases. Basham also leads the Freedom organization with 70 doubles, 191 career RBIs, and 145 career walks.
"It's been great having Ryan with us the last few years," Freedom Manager Toby Rumfield said. "It's tough losing the MVP of the All-star game. He's a great athlete and has led us in a number of categories."
The Freedom do walk away with a pair of talented players from Joliet with Miles and Deighton.
Miles played in 2009 within the Atlanta Braves Organization. He began the season by playing 30 games with the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League. The outfielder finished 2009 with the Rome Braves of the South Atlantic League where he batted.279.
Deighton, who resides in New Port Richey, Florida, graduated in 2009 from Flagler College. In 16 relief appearances, the right-handed pitcher went 3-4 with a 4.46 ERA, including one save in his final collegiate season. In 36.1 innings of work, Deighton struck out 29 batters while walking 14.
The Florence Freedom are members of the Independent Frontier League and will open their regular season on May 25 against the Southern Illinois Miners. Season and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at FlorenceFreedom.com or by phone at (859) 594-HITS.
Frontier League Stories from February 17, 2010
- Freedom Trade Basham To Joliet For Two New Players - Florence Y'alls
- Bums Sign Two From Tryout - Traverse City Beach Bums
- Miners Add Depth With Former Texas Prospect And Well-Traveled Rookie - Southern Illinois Miners
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