RHP Shawn Blackwell Returns for Second Season
March 29, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
Sioux Falls Canaries Pitcher Shawn Blackwell
(Sioux Falls Canaries, Credit: Dan LeMoal)
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries announced on Tuesday afternoon that the organization has re-signed RHP Shawn Blackwell to a contract for the 2016 season.
The 25 year-old Blackwell finished the 2015 campaign with a 5-9 record and 3.64 ERA. He was the Canaries team leader in starts (20), innings pitched (128.2), strikeouts (103), and was second in the American Association in complete games (4).
"Shawn is a solid starting pitcher who has a chance to be a front-line guy in our league when things are going right," said Field Manager Chris Paterson. "We want to see him build off of last year's success and take that next step for us."
Blackwell was terrific for the Birds over his final 10 starts of the season. From July 19th through September 7th, the right-hander recorded three complete games while going 4-2 with a 3.09 ERA. He earned American Association Pitcher of the Week honors on August 24th after surviving a 90 minute rain delay, and held the North Division Champion, St. Paul Saints scoreless in a 6-0 complete game victory.
The League City, TX native was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 24th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, and spent three seasons in the Rangers minor league system before entering the Independent ranks in 2013. Now in his 6th professional season, the right-hander holds 31-28 career record and 4.07 ERA in 491 1/3 innings pitched.
"He is a young guy," added Paterson. "But Blackwell brings a lot of experience to our clubhouse. He goes deep into ball games, and is always ready to take the ball when we need him. We look forward to having him with us again this season."
Blackwell and the Birds' begin the 24th season of Canaries baseball on May 19th against the Sioux City Explorers at Lewis & Clark Park. The Canaries kick off the 2016 home portion of their schedule on Friday, May 20th with a special presentation from All-Star Fireworks after the game. For more information about season tickets and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries ticket office at (605) 336-6060 or visit www.sfcanaries.com.
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