JackHammers re-sign catcher
Published on January 26, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers re-signed catcher Jeff Goldbach. The JackHammers continue to build their roster for their third season which is scheduled to begin at 7:05 PM on Thursday, May 20 versus the Gary (IN) SouthShore RailCats at Silver Cross Field in Joliet's City Center. JackHammers games, home and away, will be heard on 1340-AM WJOL and via the team's website.
Goldbach played in 28 games for the JackHammers last season. He batted .231 (24-for-104) with four home runs, seven doubles, 14 runs scored and 14 RBI. He primarily played the catcher's position, but did see time at third base. Goldbach's 2003 season also featured stops in Fargo-Moorhead of the Northern League and Double-A Frisco in the Texas Rangers organization. On July 17, 2003, the JackHammers traded catcher Eddie Fink and starting RHP Hank Thoms to the Redhawks for outfielder Steve Foley and Goldbach. Goldbach played a combined total of 94 games this past season and hit 11 home runs and collected 42 RBI. In 2003, Goldbach ranked among the top five catchers in the Northern League having thrown out 35% (18 of 52) of the potential base stealers.
Originally, the Chicago Cubs drafted Goldbach in the second round of the '98 June draft out of Princeton (IN) High School. He was a third baseman during most of his high school playing days and did not begin catching until his senior year. He was named to the Indiana All-State First Team, as a catcher, in '98. Interestingly, the vast majority of Goldbach's pro career was spent as a catcher until August 23, 2003 (vs. St. Paul) when he made his pro debut at third base.
Through six pro seasons and 517 games, Goldbach is batting .233 (409-for-1,756) with eight triples, 61 home runs, 92 doubles, 260 runs scored and 269 RBI. Goldbach's best pro season was in 1999 when he played for Single-A Lansing. He was named to the Howe Sportsdata All-Teen Team and was a Midwest League All-Star Catcher because he batted .271 (108-for-399) with 18 home runs, 27 doubles, 72 RBI and 82 runs scored. He almost walked as many times as he struck out that year (64 to 66). He climbed to Double-A West Tenn (in '01) in the Cubs organization.
Goldbach was born on December 20, 1979 (24 years old) in Evansville, Indiana. He resides in Princeton, IN. Goldbach stands 5'11" and weighs 190 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed.
"The re-signing of Jeff gives us perhaps the best defensive catcher in the league. He not only receives the ball well with soft hands, but his very strong arm will keep opposing base runners from looking at the stolen base. Jeff ended the season hitting pretty well for us and showed signs of power. With his strong defensive skills and if Jeff can show the ability to hit consistently and add some power, I can see where affiliated teams will come looking his way," said Mike Pinto, the JackHammers Bench Coach and Player Development Coordinator.
JackHammers full season ticket packages include the 48-game home schedule and your same seats for the 2004 Northern League All-Star Skills Competition (July 19) and All-Star Game (July 20) presented by Budweiser. The skills competition includes a home run derby. To purchase full season tickets, mini-plan ticket packages and group ticket packages, call 815-726-BALL (2255) or visit the Silver Cross Field ticket office. Additional team information can be obtained when visiting www.jackhammerbaseball.com or send an e-mail to info@jackhammerbaseball.com.
Northern League Stories from January 26, 2004
- JackHammers re-sign catcher - Joliet JackHammers
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