Three More Outfielders Returning to Freedom
April 12, 2016 - Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release
Florence, Ky. - The Florence Freedom, presented by Titan Mechanical Solutions, have resigned outfielders Josh Henderson, Andrew Godbold, and Zach Burling.
Formerly in the Dodgers Organization, Henderson signed with the Freedom last August and started immediately. In 12 games, he hit .273 with four doubles, five runs scored, and three RBIs. He went 1-for- 4 with a run scored in Florence's loss to River City in the postseason.
Freedom Manager Dennis Pelfrey sees a lot of potential in Henderson and is excited to see what he can do in a full Frontier League season.
"We picked up Josh late last year and I think he has the potential to be a player of the year candidate in our league," Pelfrey said. "He is a fundamentally-sound outfielder with a great lefty swing and the ability to steal bases. I would not be surprised to see him hit 10 homers, steal 20-to-25 bases, and be a huge part of our success this season."
Godbold played 53 games for the Freedom last year, totaling nine doubles, two triples, four home runs, 10 stolen bases, 27 runs scored, and 19 RBIs. In his final 19 games of the season, Goldbold had seven multi-hit games, including a 2-for-4 performance in the postseason.
Prior to his time in Florence, Godbold spent the 2014 season with the Dodgers organization, hitting .268 with three home runs in 21 games for the Ogden Raptors.
"Andrew had good numbers in the Dodgers organization, so we were surprised to see him be released," Pelfrey said. "In the box, he is an intimidating specimen. He started off a little slow last season, but really showed his potential beginning in August. That's the guy we expect to come in this year after he got even more athletic over the offseason."
Burling totaled 49 at bats in 48 games, adding depth to the Freedom outfield last season. He was often used in a pinch-runner and defensive replacement role last season, but Pelfrey hopes he can up his offensive game to play a bigger role this season.
"Zach is a very intriguing player because he has all the tools you want to see in a professional outfielder - size, speed, good arm," Pelfrey said. "Last year, he came up a little short offensively, but he was a perfect fifth outfielder who added depth, could run the bases in a big situation, or be a defensive replacement. We are excited to have him back and I know his experience will help him in his battle for a starting job."
The Freedom begin their 2016 campaign at home against the Windy City Thunderbolts on May 13th at 7:05 p.m.
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