CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Record-Setting Rowdy Returns To The Rocks

Published on May 5, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - Rowdy Hardy, who was named the 2007 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year while playing in Wilmington, has returned to the Blue Rocks' active roster. He replaces reliever Jason Godin, who has been placed on the Disabled List (back).

Hardy has reinvented himself, transforming his traditional release to a submarine-style delivery. He began the alteration one week into spring training. In an attempt to get some live professional innings with the new technique, Hardy is returning to the Riverfront, and will pitch out of the bullpen for the Rocks.

The left-hander was nearly unhittable as a starter in '07. He was tops in the CL and set a Blue Crew single-season record with 15 wins. He also led the circuit in complete games (three), innings pitched (167.0), and walks per nine innings pitched (.81). Hardy finished second in the league with a 2.48 ERA. He was also named the starting pitcher for the Carolina League All-Star team, and was honored as the Kansas City Royals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

In 2008, Hardy pitched at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, struggling his way to a 6-11 record, and a 4.97 ERA. Hardy appeared in 28 games, making 27 starts, and allowed 45 more runs in 11.1 fewer innings than in 2007. The struggles led to his retooled approach on the mound.

The pitcher made news off the field this winter as well. In an online fan poll conducted by Minor League Baseball playfully dubbed Minors Moniker Madness, Hardy was deemed to have one of the four coolest names of any player in the minors. In a bracket style competition, Hardy advanced to the semifinals before finally falling in a head-to-head match-up with eventual winner Dusty Napoleon. Current Blue Rock teammate Ray Liotta was also in the field.

His given name is actually Lenny Franklin Hardy. He's been known as Rowdy since he was a baby. The 26-year-old Dallas, TX native played college ball at Austin Peay University. The Royals signed Hardy as a non-drafted free agent on May 27, 2006.

Check out the Wilmington Blue Rocks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Carolina League Stories from May 5, 2009


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.

OurSports Central