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April 7, 2009 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (April 7, 2009)-The Fort Myers Miracle announced today their 2009 Opening Day roster, featuring four first-round draft picks and 12 players who contributed to the Miracle's Western Division Championship in 2008. The club's 18th opening day roster includes 12 pitchers, 2 catchers, 7 infielders and 4 outfielders. Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Baker, currently on the 15-day disabled list, will begin the season in Fort Myers and make a major league rehab start in Friday night's home opener.

Minnesota Twins 2007 first-round pick, outfielder Ben Revere will make his Miracle debut in 2009. Pitcher Carlos Gutierrez, a first-round selection out of Miami last year, returns to the mound for Fort Myers, while outfielder Chris Parmelee (2006) and pitcher Kyle Waldrop (2004) complete the quartet of top Twins' picks who will begin the year in Miracle uniforms.

Jeff Smith returns for his second season as the skipper of the Miracle. The Naples, Florida, native led the club to a 77-59 record in 2008, advancing to the Florida State League Championship Series. Jim Dwyer (hitting coach) and Larry Bennese (trainer) both return to the home dugout in 2009. Pitching coach Steve Mintz and strength coach Mike McDonald begin their first season with the club.

"We have a good mixture of experience with our pitching staff and a good mix of exciting young players offensively," said Smith.

Mintz reunites with Smith after their days coaching in Beloit and will direct a strong pitching staff. Pitching tends to dominate in the pitcher-friendly league and the Miracle will have no shortage of quality arms. RHP Carlos Gutierrez was a late first-round pick last year out of Miami, and he posted a 2.10 ERA and struck out 19 in 25 2/3 innings for the Miracle. LHP Tyler Robertson returns to the Miracle after compiling a 2.72 ERA in 15 starts. RHP David Bromberg led the Minors in 2008 with 177 strikeouts in 150 innings at Beloit. Deolis Guerra returns after earning 11 wins for the Miracle as a 19-year old.

There has been plenty of excitement at Hammond Stadium in 17 years, but it might be tough to top what the dynamic Ben Revere will bring to Southwest Florida. The 5-foot-9 left-handed hitting outfielder was the Twins' first round pick in 2007. He hit .379 -tops in the Minors-at Beloit last summer before missing the final few weeks of the season following successful knee surgery. His 44 steals in just 83 games led the Twins organization, garnering the Midwest League's top prospect award.

The offense will also feature exciting newcomers like OF/1B Chris Parmelee. The former top pick of the Twins in 2006, hit 14 homers in 69 games last year with Beloit. 3B Deibinson Romero, a member of the Twins 40-man roster, will be one to watch in the field and at the plate.

The Miracle will open the 2009 Florida State League season against the Charlotte Stone Crabs on Thursday, April 9 in Charlotte. Robertson has been tabbed as the opening day starter.

Local Wendy's restaurants have acquired tickets to the Miracle's home opener on Friday, April 10 at no cost to customers. Fans can stop by any of the 19 Wendy's locations in the two-county area and pick up a free general admission ticket to see the Miracle take on the Charlotte Stone Crabs at Hammond Stadium.

A free general admission ticket can be upgraded to a box seat for only $2.00 in person at the Miracle's Hammond Stadium offices.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. The first fireworks show of the season will take place after the game.

Tickets for all 70 home dates are available for purchase at Hammond Stadium or by phone between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fans also may purchase tickets online at www.miraclebaseball.com. The Miracle's online ticket system allows fans to select their exact seat location for each game and conveniently print tickets at home.

Ticket prices for 2009 are as follows: $7 for Box Seats ($8 on Fireworks Night), $5 for General Admission ($6 on Fireworks Night).


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