Normal CornBelters Add Familiar Faces
Published on January 18, 2013 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
Normal, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, have re-signed infielder Patrick McKenna and pitcher Tyler Lavigne. Lavigne was the first CornBelter to sign an affiliated contract (Boston Red Sox organization - 2010), and McKenna was one of five players selected to represent the team at the 2012 Frontier League All-Star Game. The CornBelters will play their first home game of the 2013 season at The Corn Crib on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. versus the Windy City ThunderBolts ("CEFCU Opening Night").
McKenna was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 27th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft. Before joining the CornBelters for the 2012 season, he spent two seasons within the Tigers organization (2009 & 2010) and one within the San Diego Padres organization (2011). In 25 games with Tucson Padres (Pacific Coast League - Triple A), he hit .250 with 14 hits, 10 runs scored and a .323 on-base percentage. Prior to being injured last season, he hit .281 with 56 hits, 12 doubles and 25 RBI in 57 games.
"Patrick's obviously a player with a ton of talent," said Field Manager Brooks Carey. "Along with all of his experience, I'll be counting on him to be one of the leaders of this team."
Lavigne was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 50th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft. He spent one season with the Batavia Muckdogs (New-York Pennsylvania League - Low A) before joining the CornBelters for their inaugural season in 2010. In ten starts, he was 7-2, with a 1.38 ERA, 55 strikeouts and two complete games. He also played in the 2010 Frontier League All-Star Game just prior to joining the Lowell Spinners (New-York Pennsylvania League - Low A). Last season, he was 5-10 with a 4.72 ERA, 126 strikeouts and one complete game in 21 starts.
"Tyler had several other options available to him and decided to return to Normal," said Carey. "I'm thrilled because I think he still has the talent to be an ace, and a big winner, for us."
THE NIBLET : All past group leaders, social media subscribers and e-mail newsletter subscribers have the opportunity to purchase groups of 20 or more discounted Box Seats on "CEFCU Opening Night" (Tuesday, May 21) for only $5 per-seat! This offer only lasts through Thursday, January 31. To take advantage TODAY, simply contact Joe Rejc (309.451.3452) or Kyle Kreger (309.451.3447).
Frontier League Stories from January 18, 2013
- Normal CornBelters Add Familiar Faces - Normal CornBelters
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