Indians Sign 2002 MVP Jim Rushford
Published on May 15, 2003 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- The Indianapolis Indians have signed outfielder Jim Rushford to a free agent contract. Rushford was the Indians Most Valuable Player last season leading the club in five offensive categories.
The 29-year-old Rushford batted .316 with 68 RBI for the Indians last season. In addition to leading the team in both of those categories, the left-handed batter paced the team with 128 hits, 33 doubles and a .391 on-base percentage. His batting average ranked eighth in the International League while he was fifth in on-base percentage.
Rushford was the Indians Player of the Month in July and earned Milwaukee Brewers minor league player of the month honors for August. After the Indians season, Rushford was called up to Milwaukee for his major league debut. He hit .143 in 23 games.
The Chicago native earned a spring training invitation to the Texas Rangers camp this spring. He started the season at Triple-A Oklahoma where he hit .190 with 0 homers and 9 RBI in 24 games.
Rushford, who was out of baseball completely in 1997 and 1998, and played independent ball in 1999 and 2000, led all minor leaguers with a .354 average in 2001 after he signed with the Brewers.
Rushford, 6'1", 225 lbs, will be in uniform for the Indians tonight when the team battles Pawtucket at 7:00 at Victory Field.
International League Stories from May 15, 2003
- Braves Drum Lynx, 12-2 - Gwinnett Stripers
- IL News & Notes - IL1
- Indians Sign 2002 MVP Jim Rushford - Indianapolis Indians
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
