RedHawks Sign Donzell McDonald
Published on August 15, 2009 under Northern League (NL)
Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks News Release
FARGO, N.D. - The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have signed veteran OF Donzell McDonald to a contract, the Northern League club announced today. To make room for McDonald on the roster, the RedHawks have placed 1B Randall Simon on the Inactive List. McDonald will be in the line-up tonight as the RedHawks continue their series against the Joliet JackHammers at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, IL.
McDonald, 34, joins the RedHawks after completing a stellar season with the Monclova Acereros of the Mexican League (AAA). He batted .355 with 25 doubles, nine triples, ten home runs, 56 RBIs and 91 runs scored in 96 games. McDonald walked drew 66 walks against 67 strikeout and posted a phenomenal .453 on-base percentage. He was a teammate of newly-signed RHP Tim Lavigne with Monclova.
Originally selected in the 22nd round of the 1995 draft by the New York Yankees, McDonald reached the Major Leagues with the Yankees in 2001 and the Kansas City Royals in 2002. He has played the past 5½ seasons in the Mexican League with Tabasco, Yucatan, Norte and Monclova, and has played at the Double-A level or higher since the 1998 season.
In his 15-year career, McDonald has batted .283 with 258 doubles, 130 triples, 94 home run, 516 RBIs and 1,034 runs scored in 1,438 minor league games. McDonald batted .200 (5-for-25) in 15 Major League games with two doubles, an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base.
"Donzell is going to bring us another run-scoring, top-of-the line-up guy who can create some havoc," said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. "He put up big numbers in Mexico this year. Hopefully he can continue that with us."
Simon is leaving the RedHawks to participate in the IBAF Baseball World Cup which begins in early September at sites across Europe. Simon, a native of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, will be playing for The Netherlands squad in the tournament, and is scheduled to leave for Europe for training camp next week.
This year, Simon was batting .279 with 11 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and 42 runs scored in 74 games.
"Randall has an opportunity to represent his nation again and we respect and understand his decision to go to the World Cup," said Simunic. "He was a solid player for us this year and we appreciate his contributions. Due to the roster deadline on Monday night, we knew we needed to make a move to fill his spot on the roster before then and protect ourselves as we move down the stretch."
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