WCL Corvallis Knights

The Yankees Are Coming to Town; Hot Stove Night II Is January 22

January 15, 2013 - West Coast League (WCL)
Corvallis Knights News Release


The New York Yankees are coming to Corvallis! Ex-Knight star and New York catcher Chris Stewart and Knights' alum and Yanks' scout Mike Thurman are headlining the Corvallis Knights second annual Hot Stove Night Tuesday, January 22nd at 7 pm in the Omaha Club Room at Goss Stadum.

RSVP now to reserve a seat as we talk baseball with Chris and Mike. Yours truly, Brooks Hatch, will emcee and moderate a panel discussion including our two Yankee friends and Knights' team president Dan Segel.

Admission is $5. There is no cost for Diamond Club members and team host families. If you purchase a 10-game punch card or season ticket at the registration table at the event we'll waive your admission to Hot Stove II.

RSVP by calling Brooks Hatch at 541-752-5656 or emailing Mr. Hatch at brooks.hatch@corvallisknights.com.

Chris Stewart is coming off his best season in the big leagues where he hit .241 with 1 home run and 13 RBIs over 55 games played as Russell Martin's backup. Stewart found himself a favorite of 2007 Cy Young pitcher CC Sabathia catching many of the southpaw's outings for the Yanks.

Stewart starred for the 2001 Aloha Knights following his freshman spring at Riverside CC. Chris hit .342 with 12 doubles, 5 home runs and 36 RBIs that summer earning him not only team MVP honors, but Pacific International League MVP honors as well.

Probably the most amazing stat posted by Chris that summer was that the budding star from Moreno Valley, California threw out 21 of 27 baserunners attempting to steal on Mr. Stewart. He completely halted the opponents running game that season for a Knights team that posted a franchise-best 54-14 record. At the conclusion of that summer, Stew signed with the Chicago White Sox who had picked him in the 12th round of the 2001 MLB draft. Chris would debut in the bigs with the White Sox and later play in the majors for Texas, the Yankees, San Diego and San Francisco before returning back to New York last season.

Stewart will head to spring training in February with a serious shot at competing for the Yankees starting catcher's job.

Mike Thurman pitched in the major leagues with the Montreal Expos and New York Yankees and is currently a Pacific Northwest area scout for the Yankees. Thurm made two appearances for the Aloha Knights in 1993 and is a very close friend of Knights' skipper Brooke Knight.

Thurman, a Philomath native, starred at Oregon State and was selected in the 1st round of the 1994 June MLB draft by the Montreal Expos. His last big league appearance was September 14, 2002 as a member of the New York Yankees.

Let's pack the Omaha Room and enjoy an evening with two Yankees who happen to be two of the finest gentlemen in the game. Hope to see you there!



West Coast League Stories from January 15, 2013


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