JackHammers Featured in Chicago Tribune
May 21, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - The Joliet JackHammers organization was recently a feature story in the Chicago Tribune. The story, written by Jack McCarthy, focused on the revival of the organization and the upcoming 2010 season. Below is an excerpt from the article.
When a broken water pipe flooded the Joliet JackHammers' business offices late last month, general manager Jamie Toole considered the resulting damage not a setback but an opportunity.
"I never liked that carpet anyway," said Toole about the chance to replace wrecked flooring and drywall with a fresh look.
And the revamped offices at Silver Cross Field seem an apt metaphor for an organization seeking a restored presence and profitability as it opens its ninth pro baseball season this week.
To read the rest of the article, click on the link below. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/southsouthwest/ct-x-s-jackhammers-0519-20100519,0,6609802.story
LOOSE GRAVEL: The Joliet JackHammers open the 2010 season on May 21st against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in North Dakota. The Home Opener is Friday, May 28th at 7:10 p.m. against the Lake County Fielders, one of two Northern League expansion teams. Season tickets, group outings and suites are available now. For more information, call the JackHammers at 815.726.BALL (2255)
JackHammers Set 23 Man Roster; Name Opening Day Starter
JOLIET, IL - The JackHammers have announced their final cuts of Spring Training as the team prepares for the 2010 regular season opener in Fargo tomorrow night. The club released catcher Anselmo Vasquez and pitcher Andrew Bovich while placing infielder Brandon McArthur on the disabled list. The JackHammers also named Bear Bay as the Opening Day starter against the RedHawks.
Bay will anchor a strong starting rotation featuring lefties Devin Anderson and Todd Privett and right-handers Ross Stout and Rory Shortell. Bay, Anderson and Shortell all have Northern League experience. Drew Shetrone assumes the closer's role with Griffin Bailey, Billy Jackel, Mike Rocco and Sean Teague rounding out the right-handed relievers. Brian Gartley and Nathan Ginsberg are the two southpaws in the bullpen.
"Pitching will be our strong point as our rotation is full of experienced guys that will log a lot of innings and give us a chance to win every night," commented JackHammer Manager Chad Parker. "Our bullpen is just as experienced as our starters and we have some power arms with great stuff. All of our bullpens guys have been closers at some point in their caree, which should allow us to finish games well."
The infield will have a veteran feel with Brad Correll, Kevin Rios and Freddie Thon all returning to Joliet. Newcomers Jorge Rodriguez and Roberto Mena will see time up the middle with Joe Billick and Rafael Mendez handling the catching duties.
"We have an opportunity to have a great infield defense as all of our guys are former shortstops," continued Parker. "The challenge will be whether or not we can mesh them together to become a complete unit while our catchers are young but solid. They have the ability to call a good game and control other teams running game."
Three of the four players manning the outfield grass hit from the left side, giving the JackHammers a left-handed presence in the lineup. Ryan Basham, Jonathan Wyatt and Ryan Basham all hit from the left side while Jon Nelson is the lone right-handed hitting outfielder.
"We have a good, speedy outfield that can track down a lot of balls in the gaps," said Parker. "That should assist our pitchers in minimizing any big innings from opponents."
LOOSE GRAVEL: The Joliet JackHammers open the 2010 season on May 21st against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in North Dakota. The Home Opener is Friday, May 28th at 7:10 p.m. against the Lake County Fielders, one of two Northern League expansion teams. Season tickets, group outings and suites are available now. For more information, call the JackHammers at 815.726.BALL (2255)
Player Spotlight: Todd Privett
JOLIET, IL - Spring Training is underway and now the JackHammers begin their quest for their first playoff berth since 2002. Every day until Opening Day on Friday, May 21st in Fargo-Moorhead, a different player will be under the spotlight giving all fans an opportunity to learn the 2010 JackHammers. Today features pitcher Todd Privett.
Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6'0" Weight: 185 D.O.B. 4/22/86 Opening Day Age: 24 2009 Club: Edmonton 2010 Status: LS-1 Acquired: Traded from Edmonton with OF Kevin House to Joliet on 11/4/09 for OF Adam Klein and LHP Ryan Paul Resides: West Jordan, Utah
Loose Gravel: Todd pitched last season for Edmonton in the Golden League after playing two years in the New York Mets organization. Privett was a 14th round pick in 2006 by New York out of the College of Southern Idaho, where he was a third team NJCAA All-American in 2006.
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- JackHammers Featured in Chicago Tribune - Joliet JackHammers
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.
