Seven Former Knights to Play in World Baseball Classic
Published on February 26, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
FORT MILL, S.C. - February 26, 2009 - There will be seven former Charlotte Knights players playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Knights longtime trainer Scott Johnson will also be participating in the Classic.
Johnson will serve as the trainer for the Chinese Taipei team. Johnson, who is entering his 10th season as the Knights trainer, was the Chinese Taipei trainer during the inaugural WBC in 2006.
Infielder Javier Castillo, who will be playing for Panama, was a Knight for the 2007 and the 2008 seasons, totaling 31 games played. Castillo is the only player in the WBC who played for the Knights in 2008. Last season Castillo played 28 games and hit .287 with 18 RBI's.
Castillo will be joined on the Panama team by former Knight outfielder Carlos Lee. The major league All Star played for the Knights during their 1999 International League championship season. He played a total of 25 games, hitting a .351 with four homeruns and 20 RBI's.
Pitcher Jason Grilli will be returning to the WBC for the second time to play for team Italy. Grilli pitched for the Knights in 2004. He appeared in a total of 25 games going 9-9 with a 4.83 ERA.
Infielder Andy Gonzalez and pitcher Javier Lopez and will be representing Puerto Rico at the Classic. Lopez was with the Knights in 2006 and pitched in 26 games going 2-1 with a 0.55 ERA. Gonzalez appeared in 151 games in the 2006 and 2007 seasons hitting a combined .264 with nine homeruns and 68 RBI's.
Pitcher Damaso Marte will be playing in the WBC for the Dominican Republic. Marte appeared in one game for the Knights while on a major league rehab assignment in 2005.
Pitcher Carlos Vasquez will be playing for Venezuela. Vasquez was with the Knights in 2007 appearing in 41 games out of the bullpen. Vasquez went 4-3 with 43 strikeouts for Charlotte.
The WBC begins on Thursday March 5th. All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks.
International League Stories from February 26, 2009
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- International League News And Notes - IL1
- Seven Former Knights to Play in World Baseball Classic - Charlotte Knights
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