NL Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats Swap Pitchers In Three-Team Trade

April 16, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


GARY, Ind. - The Gary SouthShore RailCats and two American Association clubs came together on a three-team, three-player trade Friday, with the 'Cats netting Baseball America Independent All-Star Brian Henschel from the Shreveport-Bossier Capitals and cash considerations from the Grand Prairie AirHogs.

The RailCats officially traded right-handed pitcher Mike Bille to the AirHogs in exchange for right-hander Chris Wiman and cash considerations. The 'Cats then dealt Wiman to the Capitals for Henschel to complete the deal. Bille was first acquired by the RailCats on February 24 from Grand Prairie in a trade for Nick Singleton. Neither Bille nor Singleton had appeared in a game or signed a contract with the RailCats.

Henschel, 33, got a late start on his professional career but is coming off a terrific 2009 season in which he was one of the best pitchers in the United League. Henschel was 11-3 with a 2.29 ERA in 16 starts for the San Angelo Colts last year, firing an incredible six complete games and boasting a miniscule 1.08 WHIP. Henschel led the United League in ERA, wins, complete games, shutouts (3), innings pitched (121.2) and WHIP. After the season, Henschel was named to Baseball America's All-Independent Leagues Second Team, one of only two United League players to be so honored.

The durable right-hander made 51 starts over the last three years in San Angelo, posting a 28-13 record with a robust 3.77 lifetime ERA. A tremendous control pitcher, Henschel has issued only 48 walks in 363.1 career innings, and as a result carries an excellent 1.28 career WHIP. Henschel went 10-3 each of the last two seasons in San Angelo, and has thrown 14 career complete games while leading the United League in innings pitched each of the last three seasons.

Henschel is a native of Hartland, Wis. and played collegiately at Division III powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater. Henschel did not make his professional debut until 2007 at age 30, but the right-hander did pitch in a semi-pro league in Wisconsin for nine years before joining the Colts.

Henschel and the RailCats open camp Thursday, May 6 at U. S. Steel Yard and kick off the season two weeks later on Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. against the Kansas City T-Bones. Season tickets, group outings and mini-plans are on sale now for the 2010 season, and single-game tickets will go on sale Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. For more information on the RailCats, call 219.882.2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com.

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