Grizzlies 'Ace' Mark Brackman Returning
November 21, 2011 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
Gateway Grizzlies starting pitcher Mark Brackman, arguably the Frontier League's top hurler, will be returning for a fourth season in 2012.
Brackman capped off an injury plagued 2011 season with a 7-5 record and a league-best 2.15 ERA. In 100 1/3 innings, the two-time Frontier League All-Star struck out 78 batters while only walking 23.
"When he's healthy, Mark is one of the top pitcher's in the league," Grizzlies Manager Phil Warren said. "We're please to bring him back to anchor our rotation once again."
Brackman, a 6-7 230-pound right-hander from Kansas City, MO, is approaching numerous career pitcher records with Gateway. Brackman, 26, will enter 2012 with 26 career wins, four shy of Erik Dessau's (2005-2008) Grizzlies career wins record. He has started 55 career games, which is 11 shy of Dessau's record.
Brackman, a William Jewell product, has 10 career complete games, which is one shy of Pete Buck's (2001-2004) record. His three shutouts tie him with Scott Patterson (2002-2005) for the most all-time. Brackman has thrown 380 2/3 innings with Buck's 414 1/3 innings serving as the team's all-time high. Furthermore, Brackman will come into 2012 with 308 career strikeouts, needing to get to 332 to tie Patterson.
"The last two seasons for him have been pretty special," Warren commented. "We know what to expect from him every time he takes the mound. It's very comforting to know that when he takes the mound we have an outstanding chance of winning. He's one of the greatest pitchers to ever play for the Grizzlies."
Brackman's best season with Gateway was in 2010, when he went 13-4 with a 3.18 ERA and posted a 10-0 record after the All-Star break. Before his time in a Grizzlies uniform, Brackman spent two seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization, who selected him in the 12th round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
"Mark has put up great numbers and he's also very helpful with our young guys on the staff," Warren remarked. "There's no question he's the biggest piece coming back for us in 2012. Mark is our ace and we'll build our staff around him."
Fans can purchase season and group tickets now by calling the Grizzlies office at 618-337-3000.
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