Normal Cornbelters Announces Player Signings
Published on January 27, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
The Normal CornBelters have announced the signings of their first five players. Pitchers Jarrett Coker and Alex Smith, catchers Ryan Boelsen and Tim Rawlings, and infielder Mike Garcia are the first to sign with the CornBelters.
Coker, 24, attended Columbus State University in Georgia where he was a part of the All-Conference first team in 2009. The 6'2", 190 lb right handed pitcher signed with the White Sox as a non drafted free agent in August of 2009 to the Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer League. He was 3-2 with a 5.32 ERA and.289 opponent batting average in his rookie season with the Voyagers. "He will be one of our starting pitchers this season. He has organization time being with the White Sox team in the Pioneer League and had good numbers there. He has a good arm and will only get better as the year progresses." said Manager Lanier.
Smith, 25, born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, attended the University of Virginia and was signed to the Sussex SkyHawks in the Can-Am league in 2009. The left handed pitcher was 0-1 with a 4.40 ERA and a.293 opponent battling average in his first professional season with the SkyHawks. "He is a good addition to our pitching staff. He has a good arm and got better as the season went on. He will come out of the bullpen and working with coach Brooks again will only get better after his first year in professional baseball. His last season will help him this season." said Manager Lanier.
Boelsen, 23, comes to the CornBelters as a double threat able to play both catcher and first base. The Garden City, New York native attended Adelphi College where he was named to the first team All-Conference in the ECC. Recently, Boelsen played for the Sussex SkyHawks of the Can-Am league where he had a.224 average in 49 at bats. "Boelsen played for me during the second half of the season last year. He calls an excellent game, is a very good receiver and has a strong and accurate arm. With improvement on his hitting, we will give him more playing time." said Manager Lanier.
Rawlings, standing 6'0" and 210 lb, played for Augusta State University after coming off a very successful start to his college career with the College of Lake County in Illinois. Originally from Mundelein, IL, Rawlings batted.461 with six home runs and 19 doubles. The catcher also proved to be at the top of his game with 39 stolen bases. "Rawlings had a great 2009 season hitting.393 in 46 games. He will be one of our outfielders for the 2010 season and I am looking forward to seeing him this season as he enters his first year in professional baseball." said Manager Lanier.
Garcia earned his communications degree from Newman University where he was named the 2007 male student athlete of the year. He led the team with a.400 batting average and 42 RBIs while also maintaining a 3.8 GPA. In 2009 Garcia signed with the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League. This past summer he had a.286 average in 49 at bats, 14 hits and 7 RBIs. "He is a good addition to the CornBelters as he is a very versatile player as he can play the outfield, infield and catcher. We expect him to have a solid year for us. I believe he will be a good offensive player in the Frontier League." said Manager Lanier.
Interested in season tickets, mini plans, or group tickets for the CornBelters 2010 inaugural season? Call us at (309) 454-2255 to order! You can also visit our website at www.normalbaseball.com, print and fill out our season ticket form and fax it to us at (309) 452-2287. We are also available in our office Monday through Friday at 321 Susan Drive, Suite D, in Normal from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Don't miss out on your opportunity to become a member of the tradition and excellence the CornBelters will be sure to bring. Order your season tickets today!
Frontier League Stories from January 27, 2010
- Two More Rookie Arms Sign With Bums - Traverse City Beach Bums
- Lisk Among Returners To Grizzlies 2010 Roster - Gateway Grizzlies
- Crushers Build Roster With Returning Players - Lake Erie Crushers
- Normal Cornbelters Announces Player Signings - Normal CornBelters
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