USC Power Threat Bill Peavey Joins Cutters

May 18, 2005 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Haven County Cutters News Release


The New Haven County Cutters have achieved one of their last remaining preseason goals by reaching agreement with another experienced left-handed hitter. First baseman-outfielder Bill Peavey, formerly of the Cleveland Indians organization, arrived in New Haven on Wednesday afternoon and was able to get an at bat in the team's first intra-squad scrimmage, blasting an opposite field double that reached the warning track.

Peavey spent the last season with the Lake County Captains (Eastlake, OH) of the South Atlantic League, the Indians single-A affiliate, and batted .242 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 65 games.

Peavey has played three seasons of professional baseball, but is probably most recognized for his accomplishments during his college career at the University of Southern California where he played alongside Chicago Cubs ace Mark Prior and helped his team reach two consecutive College World Series (2000 and 2001).

"Bill comes with excellent recommendations, and fits a need for us," said Bob Wirz, director of player procurement. "The best factor may well be that at 26 he should be entering his prime years. He may find the short rightfield porch to his liking."

During the 2002 season, his senior year at USC, he batted .361 and led the team in home runs (15) and runs batted in (71) on his way to earning all-Pac-10 honors. Currently, he holds the ninth spot on the all-time career RBI list at USC with 147. He had 26 career home runs at the school which produced such famed baseball hitters as Mark McGwire, Bret Boone and Fred Lynn.

Selected in the 11th round of the 2002 draft, Peavey was the first Trojans player taken from a team that went to the NCAA Super Regional. He has driven in 113 runs in 200 games as a professional with a .255 career batting average and a .353 on-base percentage.

The team will have another intra-squad game on Thursday before heading off to Brockton to start their two game exhibition schedule. Manager Mike Church liked what he saw in today's 5-inning game, especially from two pitchers who figure to be prominent members of the rotation.

"Jordy (Alexander) and Josh (Tomsu) looked impressive for their first time out," Church said. "Both had good command."

In regards to his crowded pitching staff, which features 13 hurlers, Church commented, "I can see that we are going to have some tough decisions to make with our young pitchers."

The team's home exhibition game will be against the Worcester Tornadoes on Sunday, May 22 at 2:05.

Opening night at Yale Field is on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) at 6:05 against the Grays, the traveling team of the Can-Am League. The game will be followed by an extravagant fireworks show. Tickets are on sale at www.CuttersBaseball.com or by calling (203) 777-5636 Ext. 15.



Canadian American League Stories from May 18, 2005


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.

OurSports Central