Jacks Sign Ryan Kane

Published on August 3, 2004 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Bangor Lumberjacks News Release


Bangor, ME- The Bangor Lumberjacks have agreed to terms with veteran INF Ryan Kane the Northeast League club announced today. The Jacks also completed a trade with the New Haven County Cutters that sends RHP Laine McKeller and INF Jeff Brooks to the Cutters for future considerations.

Kane was originally a sixth round selection of the Anaheim Angels in 1995. In his rookie season, Kane hit .276 and belted 14 bombs and 59 runs batted in. The following year, the South Bend, IN native was traded to the New York Yankees for catcher Jim Leyritz. He played one and a half years with the Yankees organization before re-signing with the Angels where he rose to High-A Lake Elsinore in 1998 before being released.

Kane joined the Northeast League the next season, playing for the Massachusetts Mad Dogs, batting .294 with seven homers and 62 RBI. Kane has played in the Northeast League ever since, except for last season, which he spent with the St. Paul Saints of the Northern League.

Kane's best season in the league came in 2002, with New Jersey when he batted .298 with 12 home runs and 66 RBI.

While with the Cutters this year, Kane was hitting .218 with four home runs and 19 RBI. He has committed just eight errors this year while holding down the hot corner for New Haven.

"We're excited to have an upgrade in defense in the infield and to add a guy who is an offensive threat as well," said Lumberjacks General Manager Curt Jacey of Kane.

Kane is expected to join the team in North Shore on Tuesday.

In a separate deal, the Jacks sent Laine McKeller and Jeff Brooks to New Haven for future considerations. McKeller, the first overall pick in the Central League tryout camp this March by the Lumberjacks, was 3-1 with a 5.55 ERA in 17 appearances from the Lumberjacks bullpen and one start. Brooks was signed just days ago and in 15 plate appearances was hitting .133 with 2 RBI.

The Lumberjacks hit the road but will be back at the Wink on Monday, August 9 to begin a seven game home stand with the New Jersey Jackals and Aces. August 9 is Maine Forest Service's 60th birthday celebration for Smokey the Bear. The first few hundred fans through the gate will receive a free Lumberjack team photo and a free Smokey the Bear logo baseball. Smokey himself will also be on hand. Gates open at 5:30 on Monday, game time is 6:30 PM. For tickets, call (207) 947-1900, stop in the Lumberjacks Pro Shop in the Bangor Mall, or visit the Jacks website at www.bangorlumberjacks.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from August 3, 2004


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