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Oakland Signs Jon Zeringue

June 30, 2007 - South Coast League (SCL)
South Georgia Peanuts News Release


The South Georgia Peanuts, presented by Security Bank, are pleased to announce that outfielder Jon Zeringue had had his contract purchased by the Oakland Athletics organization. In 26 games with the Peanuts, Zeringue hit .333 with five home runs and 22 RBI.

Zeringue is expected to report to the A's High-A team in Stockton, CA. He has also been assured that he will be playing everyday and will have the opportunity to move up in the system. Oakland is known for moving players through the minor league system quickly and relying on home-grown talent for the major league club.

"It is just great to be to be back a part of affiliated ball and get my opportunity to get a shot to make it to the big leagues," Zeringue said. "I am just as happy as when I first got drafted. Just getting my shot, a fresh start and a fresh beginning."

Zeringue came to the Peanuts after being released from the Diamondbacks organization. Zeringue had been playing at Class-AA Mobile but was not playing consistently. He played for manager Wally Backman in 2004 for High-A Lancaster and hit .335 with ten home runs and 41 RBI in 56 games.

"It is great to see Johnny get an opportunity to get back to an organization," Backman said. "I really believe he is a five-tool player and will be able to play in the major leagues one day."

The current Peanuts roster has been chronicled as one of the closest clubhouses you will see in professional baseball. While Zeringue joined the team late, his personality fit into the team chemistry immediately.

"It's bittersweet. He is a great teammate and a great guy to have in the clubhouse," Peanuts infielder Joey Hooft said. "Everyone's goal on this team is to get up out of here and to get to where Jon is going to be at. Our hats are off to Jon as he deserves it and we wish him the best."

Zeringue is expected to report to Stockton on Monday. He will drive home to Louisiana before flying to California. Coming into the 2007 season, he had a career .263 professional average with 25 home runs and 132 RBI. He was a second round draft pick out of LSU in 2004. Zeringue is the second non-draft eligible player who has played in a South Coast League game and then been picked up by a major league organization. Jared Sutton, who also played for the Peanuts, was signed by the Milwaukee organization in May.

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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.

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