Hess to Return to BlueSox, Cayton Joins from California
February 4, 2013 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Butler BlueSox News Release
Butler, PA "" February 4, 2013 - When the BlueSox lost four consecutive games after opening the 2012 season with back-to-back wins, they needed someone to step up and stop the skid. Eric Hess stepped up in the next game, scoring three runs including the game-winner. The next night he followed his performance with three more hits, two more runs, and an RBI.
Hess will return to Butler for the summer of 2013.
"Eric is a kid that gives everything he has each day, starting with early work, to batting practice, and throughout the game," said Butler manager Anthony Rebyanski.
"This type of attitude is what helps a summer league team win and if others catch on, can be very contagious. I am really excited to have Eric back for 2013."
Hess was a common sight in Butler's lineup last year, playing most of his 45 games at first base. He missed a few weeks in early July after suffering an injury while making one of the best catches in BlueSox history in a game at Slippery Rock.
"That catch may be one of the best catches I have ever seen," said Rebyanski. "It shows the way that he plays the game, with heart, passion and respect. Along with his defense, his left-handed offensive threat is going to play key roles for us this summer."
Hess's average last summer came in at just .259, but his walk rate was among the best in the league and helped him to a solid .381 on-base percentage. He knocked in 18 runs on 41 hits, including 10 doubles.
The Pitt Panther hit one home run, a solo shot against Slippery Rock in mid-June that helped the BlueSox to an 11-5 victory.
While Hess is a local product of Erie, Kris Cayton will be making the furthest trip to be a member of the BlueSox this summer. The 6'1" outfielder from Manhattan Beach, California transferred to Cal State Bakersfield after spending time at LA Harbor College the last two years.
"I am really excited to have Kris join us this summer," said Rebyanski. "It's difficult to get players from that side of the country that are impact players, and I believe Kris will be just that."
As a freshman, he was selected All-Conference Honorable Mention, after hitting .320 with 13 RBIs in 35 games. After Kris's sophomore campaign, he was named First Team All-Conference after hitting .313 with ten extra-base hits and a home run.
"Defensively, Kris will be our oldest outfielder and I look for him to take charge," said Rebyanski. "Offensively, I am hoping he can jump into the 4-5-6 spots in our lineup and be an offensive threat. I am eager to watch his progress this spring at Bakersfield and look forward to having him in Butler."
Both the Panthers and the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners will begin their seasons on February 15. Players on the 2013 BlueSox will be revealed each Monday.
Prospect League Stories from February 4, 2013
- Hess to Return to BlueSox, Cayton Joins from California - Butler BlueSox
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