Sports stats



Jacks Sign Players Out of Spring Training

May 25, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Bangor Lumberjacks News Release


Bangor, ME- The Bangor Lumberjacks have signed four players out of their spring training camp including two pitchers and two position players, the Northeast League team announced today. The Lumberjacks roster stands at 24 players for the first two weeks of the 2004 season.

The first player signed by the Lumberjacks was big right-hander Lance Calmus. Standing at 6'5, 250 pounds, Calmus pitched for the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League last year, going 2-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 34 appearances. The veteran was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Cleveland Indians in 1996 and played in that organization for three years, reaching Double-A Akron in 1999. A starter early in his career, Calmus moved to the bullpen in his third professional season, but is expected to start for the Jacks. Lance's eight year career has seen him go 17-26 with a 4.85 ERA in 464.0 inning pitched, fanning 357.

Also signed was LHP Ernie Miller, a former triple-A pitcher. Miller was taken by the Anaheim Angels in the 24th round of the 1997 draft and reached Triple-A Edmonton in 2000, making one appearance, giving up just one hit and a run in 3.1 innings. A native of New York City, Miller made the jump to Triple-A from Single-A Cedar Rapids. He has not pitched professionally since his appearance in Edmonton.

The Jacks also shored up their lineup with the signing of two players who offer speed and pop in their bats. The first player signed was OF Jake Whitesides, who spent last season as a member of the Mid-Missouri Mavericks of the Frontier League. There, he hit .298 with four home runs, 49 driven in, and 22 stolen bases. A fifth round pick of the Houston Astros in 2000, Whitesides finished the 2003 season first in the Frontier League in triples (11), second in runs (68), third in extra base hits (38), third in doubles (23) and tenth in batting average.

Also brought in was INF Shin Uchino, who can play the middle infield positions. Shin was signed by the Lumberjacks from the Los Angeles-based International Baseball Academy. Uchino played extremely well against the Kansas City (KS) T-Bones and the St. Paul (MN) Saints in the IBA's tour of the Northern League, prompting the Lumberjacks to ink the rookie to a deal.

"The signing of these four players completes our opening day roster for 2004. All of these players will contribute greatly towards what we expect to be a fantastic season. We have a very dynamic team assembled that I'm sure will challenge for the championship," stated Lumberjacks general manager Curt Jacey. "It's time to bring a Northeast League championship to Bangor."

The Lumberjacks open the 2004 Northeast League season on Thursday in New Jersey. After playing three in New Jersey and three in Brockton, the Jacks return home to open the new John Winkin Stadium on the campus of Husson College, with a seven game home stand against the Jackals and the Elmira Pioneers. Opening night at the Wink is Thursday, June 3rd at 6:30 PM for Creative Print Services Magnetic Schedule Giveaway Night. For tickets call the Lumberjacks at (207) 947-1900 or stop in the Lumberjacks Pro Shop in the Bangor Mall.

• Discuss this story on the Canadian American League message board...

Canadian American League Stories from May 25, 2004


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.

Other Recent Bangor Lumberjacks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central