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FL Southern Illinois Miners

Miners Welcome Back Ganek and McGraw

February 15, 2013 - Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release


Marion, IL - The Southern Illinois Miners and manager Mike Pinto have announced infielder Jason Ganek and relief pitcher Reese McGraw will return to the Miners for the 2013 season.

Ganek signed with the Miners after a stellar playing career at the University of Illinois -Chicago.  A career .318 hitter with the Flames, Ganek helped transition his play to the Miners in 2012.  In 62 games with the Miners, Ganek hit .293 with eight home runs and 27 runs batted in.  He recorded 58 hits with five doubles and one triple.  He stole four bases, scored 36 runs and walked 29 times. 

In the playoffs, Ganek played in all seven games.  He recorded seven hits, one of them being a double and scored four runs.  He hit .280 with three runs batted in and two walks. 

"Jason came on in a big way for us last season," said Pinto.  "He played an excellent first base defensively while hitting near .300 and showing increased power as the season went along.  I think he is primed for even better things ahead for him."

Ganek played 41 games at first base.  He only committed five errors and recorded a .986 fielding percentage.  Ganek played four games at third base and two games at second base.  He was even called to pitch in one game, where in one inning against the Rockford RiverHawks (now the Aviators), he gave up three hits and struck out one batter. 

McGraw, a product of Creighton University, signed with the Miners after appearing in four games for the Abilene Prairie Dogs of the North American Baseball League.  He appeared in seven regular season games with the Miners in 2012, pitching to an ERA of 2.89.  McGraw never factored into a decision, despite pitching 9.1 innings and only allowing three earned runs.  He gave up six hits and one walk but struck out an impressive 11 batters. 

"Reese came in late for us and really filled a big role in the bullpen that was a huge part of our championship run," said Pinto.  "He has shut down stuff on the mound and I think he will be an important part of the pen in the late innings this season."

McGraw pitched in Game Three of the Frontier League Championship Series against the Florence Freedom.  In relief, he pitched 3.1 innings without giving up one hit.  He walked one batter and recorded three strikeouts. 

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2012 Frontier League Champions and have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year three times since its inception.  It has also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007.  For media inquiries concerning the Miners, please contact Mike Ventola, Director of Media Relations 618-998-8499 ext. 8547 or mikev@southernillinoisminers.com .  For ticket information please contact the Rent One Park Box Office at 618-998-8499.  For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com. 

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