RailCats Re-Sign Rookie Relief Pitcher Brian Halford
February 19, 2009 - Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, Ind. - Right-handed reliever Brian Halford, who made his professional debut with the Gary SouthShore RailCats in 2008, has signed a contract to remain with the club for 2009, the team announced today.
Halford, 25, pitched in 42 games out of the RailCats bullpen last season, going 5-1 with a 6.45 ERA. His 60.0 innings of work led all RailCats relievers, and Halford went on to pitch 2.1 more innings in three playoff outings. The University of Louisville product was at his best late in the season, allowing only three earned runs during a three week stretch in August that spanned nine games. Halford also started 2008 strong, earning the win in the RailCats first two victories of the season, May 16 and 18 against Joliet.
A Louisville native, Halford wrapped up his college career in 2006 and left school as the team's all-time career leader in appearances with 97. Halford won 18 times in his four years in a Cardinals uniform and earned 17 career saves, second all-time. Halford attended Spring Training with the Kansas City Royals in 2007 but was not assigned to a minor league affiliate.
Halford is the second pitcher to sign a 2009 contract with the RailCats, joining fellow rookie Garret Holleran on the staff. The âCats have also inked infielders Paul Bartolucci, Isaac Omura and Mike Rohde to contracts for the upcoming season. The RailCats will have at least 28 players in camp when Spring Training begins May 1.
Rohde and other RailCats stars of past and present will be at the RailCats First-Ever Fan Fest, Saturday, February 21 at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. The event will run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are available now by calling 219.882.2255 or visiting www.railcatsbaseball.com.
The RailCats open the 2009 season at home Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. against the Joliet JackHammers.
Northern League Stories from February 19, 2009
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