JackHammers alumni watch
Published on October 8, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers had widespread representation on the affiliated side of professional baseball in 2004. There was one former coach and six former players from Single-A to Triple-A. There has yet to have been a JackHammer that has made it to the major leagues, but nine former major leaguers have played for the JackHammers. The JackHammers begin their fourth season on Friday, May 20 versus the Gary (IN) SouthShore RailCats at Silver Cross Field in Joliet's City Center.
LHP Brian Mazone was the lone JackHammer to have his contract purchased from the 2004 squad. After having an all-star summer through August 2, the San Francisco Giants purchased his contract. He reported to Double-A Norwich where he made seven appearances (one start) and was 1-and-1 with 2 saves, a 2.08 ERA, just two walks allowed and 19 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. He was promoted to Triple-A Fresno where he finished the season as a starter. In two starts, he was 1-and-0 with a 4.63 ERA. For good measure, he batted .400 (2-for-5) with a double, run scored, RBI, a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly.
LHP Tim Byrdak began the season at Triple-A Portland in the San Diego Padres organization before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles organization where he pitched for Triple-A Ottawa. Through 20 appearances (two starts) with Portland, Byrdak was 3-and-0 with a 5.45 ERA. Through 33 appearances (one start) with Ottawa, he was 2-and-1 with 2 saves and a 4.19 ERA.
INF Brian Sprout played 89 games for Single-A Advanced Vero Beach in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He played four infield positions as well as left field. Sprout batted .282 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI. RHP Alex Morales pitched for Single-A Advanced Brevard County in the Montreal Expos organization. In 32 games (4 starts), he was 2-and-6 with 3 saves and a 4.55 ERA.
CF Anthony Monegan played 124 games for Single-A Peoria in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He batted .297 (151-for-509) with three home runs, nine triples, 31 doubles, 53 RBI and 97 runs scored. Monegan stole 19 bases. In the Midwest League, he ranked 1st in runs scored and 4th in hits. Utility player Eddie Olszta played sparingly at Single-A Hickory, Single-A Advanced Lynchburg and Triple-A Nashville.
Former JackHammers pitching coach Greg Hibbard was the pitching coach for the Single-A Advanced Kinston Indians won the Carolina League championship. During the regular season, his pitching staff ranked 3rd best among the eight teams in the league with a 3.73 ERA. Kinston led the four playoff teams with a 2.41 ERA. Recently, the Kansas City Royals purchased the contract of RHP Byron Embry who played this past season for the Northern League's Lincoln Saltdogs.
Mazone played for the JackHammers in '02-'04. Byrdak, Monegan, Olszta, Morales and Embry played for the JackHammers in '03. Sprout played on the inaugural JackHammers squad of '02. The nine JackHammers who played in the major leagues before eventually joining the JackHammers include CF Jermaine Allensworth ('04), OF Trey Beamon ('02), Byrdak, Hibbard, MGR Matt Nokes ('02-'03), OF Les Norman ('03), OF Kevin Roberson ('04), 1B/3B Pete Rose, Jr. ('03) and C Rick Wilkins ('02). A complete JackHammers all-time roster can be found at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
The JackHammers full season tickets and group packages are available for purchase. Group packages include pre-game picnics, the DesRochers Backyard Pool Party Patio (hot tub), Dairy Queen Birthday Bash, Dream Team, luxury suites, and The Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Rooftop. For additional information, contact the JackHammers at 815-726-BALL (2255), visit the Silver Cross Field administrative offices or visit the team's website.
Northern League Stories from October 8, 2004
- JackHammers alumni watch - Joliet JackHammers
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