"The Hammer" Again Vies for MiLB's Moniker Madness Title
August 1, 2011 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Lowell Spinners News Release
LOWELL, MASS. - The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are once again throwing their weight behind a "Vote for Hammer" campaign for outfielder Seth Schwindenhammer to a win in MiLB.com's fifth annual "Minors Moniker Madness" to find the best name in Minor League Baseball.
Schwindenhammer, known as "Hammer" around the Spinners clubhouse, would have the longest last name (15 letters) in Major League history should he reach the big leagues, edging out a potential future teammate in Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
A 15th seed in the 2010 contest, Schwindenhammer topped the likes of Gookie Dawkins and Bubbie Buzachero to reach the finals before ultimately falling to then Royals prospect Rowdy Hardy. After his strong performance, "The Hammer" is a Cinderella candidate no more, ranked atop the bracket in the "Icicle Reader" bracket, facing a first round match-up with 16th seeded Yohan Flande, a Braves prospect.
"While Yohan is known as a masculine name, nothing says masculinity and pure power like 'The Hammer'," said Spinners Director of Media Relations Jon Boswell. "With a fresh batch of not-so worthy competitors, Hammer looks to make a return to the finals and emerge victorious in 2011. Like Ivan Drago, 'whatever he hits he destroys.'"
The Hammer has certainly been living up to his moniker in 2011 as he ranks second in the New York-Penn League and leads the Spinners with nine home runs. His prodigious shots are leaving marks throughout the New York-Penn League and Hammer has his sights set on a spot in the annual New York-Penn League All-Star Game, hosted by the Spinners August 16 at LeLacheur Park.
"We are thrilled to see Hammer in the contest," said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. "Not only do we have a talented team in 2011, but what a group of names. It was an egregious oversight to see Crew Tipene Moanaroa, otherwise known as Spinners' first baseman Boss Moanaroa, relegated to the NIT Tournament."
Born in Peoria, Ill., Schwindenhammer was a fifth round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. In 37 games, Hammer is batting .224 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI, batting close to .500 when he makes contact with the baseball.
Voting for the first round of the contest is underway and runs through August 7. Fans can vote as often as they'd like by visiting http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/madness and selecting the players they wish to advance.
New York-Penn League Stories from August 1, 2011
- Renegades Take Series Finale 6-1 - Williamsport Crosscutters
- Muckdogs Avoid Sweep with 5-3 Win Over Tigers - Norwich Sea Unicorns
- Scrappers Pound IronBirds in Rain-Shortened Game, 14-3 - Aberdeen IronBirds
- Vermont Powers Its Way To 1-0 Shutout Win Over Brooklyn - Vermont Lake Monsters
- Yankees Blank Jammers, 5-0 - Jamestown Jammers
- Yankees Blank Jammers, 5-0 - Jamestown Jammers
- Yankees Blank Jammers, 5-0 - Jamestown Jammers
- "The Hammer" Again Vies for MiLB's Moniker Madness Title - Lowell Spinners
- Spikes' Offense Nets New Season High in Runs to Sweep Spinners, 11-8 - State College Spikes
- Aberdeen IronBirds Game Notes - Aberdeen IronBirds
- Jammers To Wear Commemorative Lucy Desi Uniforms Wednesday - Jamestown Jammers
- Howard Named New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week - Aberdeen IronBirds
- State College Spikes Game Notes - August 1 Vs. Lowell - State College Spikes
- Scrappers Back at Home - Mahoning Valley Scrappers
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.
