JackHammers Power Up
Published on January 21, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers signed Jason Kinchen, a power hitter who plays first base and can fill the role of designated hitter. The JackHammers begin their third season at 7:05 PM on Thursday, May 20 versus the Gary (IN) SouthShore RailCats at Silver Cross Field, a ballpark that's ranked among the best in the independent ranks of pro baseball according to Baseball America, and it is located in Joliet's City Center.
Through six professional seasons ('97-'02), Kinchen is batting .308 (483-for-1,567) with three triples, 87 doubles, 110 home runs, 282 runs scored and 334 RBI through 448 games played. He has a career .578 slugging percentage and .385 on-base percentage. The highest level Kinchen has played in pro ball was in the New York Yankees organization at Double-A Norwich (CT) of the Eastern League during the 2002 season. He opted not to play in '03.
Kinchen spent the 2001 season with the Yankees Single-A affiliate, Greensboro (NC) in the South Atlantic League, where he belted 30 home runs and collected 82 RBI along with a .309 (151-for-489) batting average. That season, Kinchen was named the SAL All-Star designated hitter. His first season in the Yankees organization was 2000 with Staten Island (NY) of the New York-Penn League. The Yankees had purchased his contract on October 12, 1999.
Prior to his three seasons in the Yankees organization, Kinchen succeeded in two different independent leagues. He batted .357 (100-for-280) with 27 home runs and 78 RBI for Richmond (IN) of the Frontier League in 1999. He spent the previous two seasons, 1997-98, with Lafayette (IN) of the Heartland League. Kinchen signed his first pro contract with Lafayette in June of 1997.
Prior to his pro career, Kinchen played college baseball at Brewton Parker in Georgia. He stands 6'0" and weighs 220 pounds. He bats left handed and throws right-handed. He was born on July 30, 1975 (28 years old) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He resides in Benham Springs, LA.
"I have known about Jason for years and saw him play back in '99 for Richmond [of the Frontier League]. He has proven that he can hit for power at every level that he has played. He is instant offense with the home run, and that's what interested us most in bringing him to Joliet," said Jeff Isom, the JackHammers Manager.
LOOSE GRAVEL: The JackHammers re-signed left-handed pitcher Sean Donlin. The 2003 season was his rookie season, and he posted a 2-and-2 record through 24 games (2 starts). Donlin is 6'0" and weighs 185 pounds. He resides in Woodinville, WA.
Fans that choose to purchase a mini-plan ticket package can enhance their mini-plan with the purchase of tickets for Opening Day (May 20), the Northern League All-Star Skills Competition (July 19) and All-Star Game (July 20). The skills competition includes a home run derby. For additional team information, contact the JackHammers at 815-726-BALL (2255), send an e-mail to info@jackhammerbaseball.com, visit www.jackhammerbaseball.com or visit their Silver Cross Field offices.
Northern League Stories from January 21, 2004
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- X's sign JD Scholten - Sioux City Explorers
- JackHammers Power Up - Joliet JackHammers
- Two-Time All-Star Back to Shine again - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Tim Christman's Contract Sold to Detroit Tigers - St. Paul Saints
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