Texas Rangers Make Wise Move, Purchase Catcher's Contract
Published on July 7, 2014 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (July 7,2014) - With their 33-17 mark, the Wichita Wingnuts have the best record in team history at the halfway point of a season Many individuals have put up impressive numbers to help the club reach that total, including catcher/designated hitter J.T. Wise. As a result of his performance, Wise has had his contact purchased by the Texas Rangers.
Wise was batting .297 for the Wingnuts with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, and 42 RBI. His home run and RBI total were both good for second place in the American Association. The Orlando, Florida resident was named the American Association Player of the Week for the week ending June 22, a week in which he was 10-for-26. Earlier in the season, Wise launched five home runs in one three-game series with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.
Wise spent his college days playing for two traditional powerhouse programs. He began his career at Louisiana State in 2006. Playing mostly third base, he hit 11 home runs and drove in 40 on his way to being named to the All-SEC Freshman and Freshman All-America teams. After being selected in the 45th round of the 2007 draft by Oakland following his sophomore season, Wise transferred to Oklahoma University for his junior and senior campaigns. He put together a solid season in his first go-around in Norman before exploding with a remarkable final year. In 2009, Wise finished in the top five of all Big-12 players in six different offensive categories, led the Sooners in four offensive categories, and threw out a whopping 52% of all potential base stealers. His long list of honors following the season included Big 12 Player of the Year, first team All-Big 12, ABCA Midwest All-Region first team, first team All-American, and Golden Spikes Award semi-finalist. He was also presented the Johnny Bench Award (nation's best catcher) in Wichita that summer.
The 28-year old was drafted once again in 2009, this time in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. After completing the 2009 season with the Dodgers rookie-ball affiliate in Ogden, Wise began a steady climb through the L.A. farm system. He advanced a level each season, playing a majority of his games at first base, until peaking at Double-A Chattanooga where he played in both 2012 and 2013. Last year, Wise hit .245 with eight home runs and 35 RBI for the Lookouts. In 106 games he finished with 20 doubles, drew 39 walks, and struck out 88 times.
Wise becomes the first player the Wingnuts have sold to a Major League organization in 2014 and the 20th all-time. Below is the complete list of players who have had their contracts purchased from Wichita.
Wingnuts Sold to Major League Organizations
OF Dustan Mohr, 2008 - Colorado Rockies
RHP Will Savage, 2010 - Los Angeles Dodgers
RHP Ben Graham, 2010 - Washington Nationals
LHP Justin Dowdy, 2010 - Tampa Bay Rays
OF Ryan Patterson, 2011 - Arizona Diamondbacks
LHP Dustin Pease, 2011 - San Diego Padres
RHP Cephas Howard, 2011 - Texas Rangers
OF Kenny Gilbert, 2011 - Chicago White Sox
OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Cincinnati Reds
OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Philadelphia Phillies
SS Jose Martinez, 2012 - Houston Astros
LHP Nate Robertson, 2012 - Toronto Blue Jays
RHP Matt Nevarez, 2012 - Tampa Bay Rays
RHP Andrew Aizenstadt, 2012 - Philadelphia Phillies
RHP James Hoyt, 2012 - Atlanta Braves
OF Adam Buschini, 2013 - San Diego Padres
RHP Jon Link, 2013 - Detroit Tigers
LHP Ryan Hinson, 2013 - Atlanta Braves
1B C.J. Ziegler, 2013 - Minnesota Twins
C J.T. Wise, 2014 - Texas Rangers
For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .
American Association Stories from July 7, 2014
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- Link Wins Weekly Award; Nuts Sign All-American Outfielder - Wichita Wingnuts
- Texas Rangers Make Wise Move, Purchase Catcher's Contract - Wichita Wingnuts
- Haerther League's Best Once Again - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- As Always Saints Promotions Are Unbelievable During July 8-13 Homestand - St. Paul Saints
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