Metro Back With Miners
Published on February 26, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - All-star Joey Metropoulos has re-signed with the Southern Illinois Miners for the 2009 season. He hit .315 with 20 home runs and 66 RBI last season while splitting time between first base, right field and designated hitter in 93 games.
After one and a half seasons with the Miners, Metropoulos, 25, is in the top three in virtually every offensive category on the two-year-old franchise's all-time leaderboard. His .315 average last season was eighth best in the Frontier League while his 74 runs scored ranked fourth in the league and set a Miners team record.
Last season Metropoulos also showed his versatility by spending time in right field since the team had three quality first baseman in Tim Dorn, Brad Miller and Metropoulos,. As a result he was named to the Frontier League postseason all-star team as an outfielder. This season he is expected to return to the first base position.
"Joey brings so many things to the field every day," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "He is an imposing presence in the middle of the lineup, does a great job at first base from a defensive standpoint and brings great leadership to the field and the clubhouse. For almost two seasons Joey has been a big part of the Miners and I am thrilled to have him back with us."
The past two seasons, he has been an offensive leader during the Miners push for the playoffs. In two years in the month of August he has hit a combined .345 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 56 games.
The Miners will begin the 2009 season in Evansville on Friday, May 22. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from February 26, 2009
- Former MVP Foster among 2009 camp instructors - Rockford RiverHawks
- Metro Back With Miners - Southern Illinois Miners
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