MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Gorsett's big fly leads Swing in intrasquad game

Published on March 29, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The powerful Swing offense was at it again on Wednesday, as Luke Gorsett hit a two-run bomb and Mark Shorey added a pair of hits in an intrasquad game against the High-A Palm Beach Cardinals. The game, which ended in a 5-5 tie, was one of the last opportunities that Cardinals' farmhands will have to earn a spot on the opening day roster.

As the Cardinals head into the final weekend of spring training, the stakes are as high as ever for players trying to break camp with the Swing. The season will begin on Thursday, April 5, and those who do make the opening day Swing roster will meet local fans at the team's Meet the Team dinner on Tuesday, April 3.

One of those players is expected to be talented outfielder Luke Gorsett. Scouts from Baseball America love his power potential, saying, "Gorsett has tremendous bat speed and can uncork tape-measure shots." That power streak was on display in the second inning Wednesday, when the Nebraska product broke a scoreless tie by launching a two-run blast. Gorsett finished second in the Big 12 with 15 homers in 2006, just one season after leading the nation with 24 home runs for Garden City (KS) Community College in 2005.

Likely joining Gorsett in the heart of the Swing order will be Shorey, who continued his torrid spring with a 2-for-3 day at the plate. The reigning Appalachian League home run leader also drove in a run and stole a base.

Daryl Jones, the athletic 19-year-old former football star, batted out of the leadoff spot again and chipped in with a hit and two runs scored. Having drawn comparisons to six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner Kenny Lofton, the multi-talented prospect is considered to have as much raw potential as anybody in the Cardinals organization.

Southpaw reliever Brian Schroeder took the mound for an inning of work as he tried to solidify his spot in the Swing bullpen. Schroeder certainly has history on his side, as his father Jay spent 10 years in the NFL as a strong-armed quarterback for the Redskins, Raiders, Bengals, and Cardinals. Prior to his days on the gridiron, he was the third overall pick in the 1979 baseball draft and spent four seasons in the Blue Jays minor league system. Despite the added cash that he received from betting opposing players that he could throw a baseball over the center field fence from home plate, Jay hung up his spikes in 1983 to pursue a career in professional football.

TICKETS: Tickets for all events at John O'Donnell Stadium can be purchased by calling the Swing of the Quad Cities ticket office at (563) 328-2000, coming to the box office located at the stadium along South Gaines Street, or by logging on to www.swingbaseball.com.

UP NEXT: Kickoff the 2007 season at the Meet the Team dinner on Tuesday, April 3, for your chance to meet and mingle with this season's players and coaches. The Swing will open their home schedule with a day game at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday, April 9, against Cedar Rapids. After a successful campaign in 2006, manager Keith Mitchell will look to guide the Swing to a third consecutive post-season run.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: The 2007 season will be loaded with fun at John O'Donnell Stadium, and each day of the week will feature its own exciting promotion:

Monday - Kids under the age of 12 will receive a hot dog and small soda with the purchase of a child's GA ticket!

Tuesday - Get four box seat tickets, four slices of pizza, four sodas, and a Swing program for just $44!

Wednesday - Join us for lunch as we bring back daytime baseball! $11 will get you a hot dog, soda, and box seat.

Thursday - Enjoy half-price 12 oz. beverages with Dave and Darren thanks to the Bent River Brewing Company.

Friday - Most Friday night of the 2007 season will feature a dazzling fireworks display sponsored by KWQC.

Saturday - Be one of the first fans through the gates on select Saturdays and receive a special giveaway item.

Sunday - Bring the whole family out for an afternoon featuring clowns, balloons, and games. Stick around after the game and kids can run the bases just like the pros do!

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Midwest League Stories from March 29, 2007


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