NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Long Beach Armada Sign ex-Major Leaguer Nick Bierbrodt

April 25, 2008 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Long Beach Armada News Release


(Long Beach, CA. April 25, 2008) The Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that they have agreed to terms with former Millikan High School standout Nick Bierbrodt for the upcoming 2008 season. Bierbrodt, selected in the first round (30th overall) in the 1996 draft, was the first ever draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A former top pitching prospect in the Diamondbacks organization and an Arizona League All-Star in 1996, Bierbrodt played in the majors for the Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers, with stops in the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds organizations.

"We are glad to have a local product come back to Long Beach and link the great tradition of baseball in Long Beach with the expanding footprint of Armada baseball," said Long Beach Armada General Manager Steven Bash. "Nick created such a buzz in Long Beach during his high school years and we hope coming home will help Nick get back on track to the big leagues. "

Bierbrodt, 29, developed his pitching skills in the Diamondbacks organization from 1996-2000. In 2001, he went 6-2 with a sub 2.00 ERA in AA and AAA, striking out 74 while only walking 15. He was soon called up to The Show and went 5-6 in 16 starts for the Diamondbacks and Devil Rays, striking out 73 while walking 39 batters. Over the course of 12 minor league seasons, Bierbrodt compiled a career win-loss record of 39-42, with a 4.49 ERA, and 640 strikeouts in 706 innings. Bierbrodt's major league totals spanning three seasons stand at 6 wins and 9 losses and a 6.66 ERA, with 112 strikeouts in 144 innings.

"It's great to have a homegrown player like Nick back in Long Beach," said Long Beach Armada Manager Steve Yeager. "He'll not only strengthen our pitching staff with his abilities and experience, but also show current local prospects that the big league dream can come true."

The 6'5" left-hander is ready for the 2008 Armada season and can't wait to play for the city that brought him fame and success as one of the most notable athletes to come out of Millikan High School in Long Beach.

"I'm excited to play in Long Beach again," said Nick Bierbrodt. "Knowing that I will have friends, family, and Long Beach residents who have followed my career in the stands at Blair Field - it's a great feeling."

Bierbrodt joins Jerome Williams, Tony Torcato, and David Parrish, as former first round major league draft choices to join the 2008 Long Beach Armada squad.

• Discuss this story on the Golden Baseball League message board...

Golden Baseball League Stories from April 25, 2008


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 Long Beach Armada Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central