Multi-Tool Talent Returns to Wingnuts
Published on February 1, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed outfielder Mitch Einertson on Wednesday.
The Wingnuts acquired Einertson last August from the North American League's Maui Na Koa Ikaika. In 14 games played, Einertson was 21 for 61 (.382) with two home runs, 13 RBI, and nine runs scored. The veteran was also 7 for 16 (.438) during the Wingnuts' playoff series against Grand Prairie. For the year, Einertson hit .326 with 19 doubles, 10 home runs, 62 RBI, and 54 runs scored in 82 contests. At the conclusion of the season, Einertson was traded back to Maui to complete the original deal before re-signing with the Wingnuts as a free agent.
Einertson hit .325 with nine home runs and 47 RBI in 2010 for the Golden League's Chico Outlaws where he was a teammate of Wingnuts' closer Josh Dew. Einertson also scored 11 runs and had five RBI in five playoff games, helping Chico win the Golden League championship.
"Mitch is a true 'gamer' in every sense of the word," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "I can't wait to see what he can do with us for a full season. We acquired him so late that we only got a taste of what he can do, and I loved what I saw out of him. He will be a veteran this year, and I will expect a lot out of him, not only on the field, but in the clubhouse as well. He has been blessed with so many tools, and hopefully he will get another shot in affiliated ball at some point."
A 5-foot-11, 185-pound outfielder, Einertson is heading into his ninth season of professional baseball, and has a lifetime .274 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, and .452 slugging percentage. A native of Oceanside, CA, Einertson has averaged 38 doubles, 20 home runs, 100 RBI, and nine outfield assists per 162 games in his career.
Einertson was drafted by the Houston Astros out of California's Rancho Buena Vista High School in 2004. The former fifth-round pick--who will be 26 on Opening Night--is just seven home runs and 34 RBI away from 100 and 500 respectively for his career.
A right-handed hitter and fielder, Einertson spent six years in the Astros' organization, including two at the Double-A level. During his professional debut in 2004, an 18-year-old Einertson hit .308 with 24 home runs and 67 RBI in just 63 games for Greeneville in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. The 24 home runs tied a 44-year-old record and helped Einertson capture league MVP honors. Three years later, Einertson won a second MVP award playing for the High-A Carolina League's Salem Avalanche. Einertson's line that year included a .305 batting average, 40 doubles, 11 home runs, and 87 RBI.
Einertson's addition gives the Wingnuts 11 players under contract for the 2012 season. American Association teams may carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which starts on May 5th.
2012 Wingnuts Signings RHP Josh Dew OF Mitch Einertson RHP Junior Guerra RHP Alex Kaminsky LHP Shawn Joy RHP Josh Lowey RHP Brandon Mathes LHP Moises Melendez C Eric Rodriguez LHP Nick Walters
The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. You can also shop Wingnuts for the holidays by visiting the Wingnuts' merchandise kiosk at Towne West Mall. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
American Association Stories from February 1, 2012
- AirHogs Announce Groundhog Day Special - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Multi-Tool Talent Returns to Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
- Singleton Added to the Infield - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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.
