Vote for Top RiverHawks Reliever
Published on May 12, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - Try to lock down a game without a solid bullpen. It's about as difficult as picking the top relief pitcher in Rockford RiverHawks history.
Major-league organizations have signed three pitchers from the RiverHawks pen. Several have been all-stars. The 2004 Frontier League championship club was 45-0 when it took a lead to the ninth inning. The Hemmens Cultural Center/Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet/Johnny Pamcakes All-Time RiverHawks Team polling won't close without great relief.
In celebration of their 10th season, the RiverHawks are offering fans the chance to decide who is the greatest player in team history at each position, from starting pitcher to shortstop to outfield. Votes can be cast at the team website, www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Voting will switch to a new position approximately every 7-10 days. Winners will be announced at the end of each voting period and all will be acknowledged at a game this summer with an all-time RiverHawks poster, co-sponsored by Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet, The Hemmens and Johnny Pamcakes, to be given out at the June 10 game.
The newest position is relief pitcher. The finalists, determined by a panel of longtime members of the organization, are:
Justin Dowdy (2003, 2004) - Dowdy is the only player in team history to be picked up twice by a major-league organization, each time while at the Frontier League All-Star Game. Dowdy, as a closer, signed with Seattle in 2003 and as a starter, caught on with Anaheim in 2004 after he went 4-1 with a 2.39 ERA in the first half. He averaged nearly a strikeout an inning while with Rockford.
Dave Dowling (2005-07) - Dowling spent his entire career with the RiverHawks. He made 95 appearances, more than any other pitcher, and was regarded by many on-field personnel as the Frontier League's top lefty setup man. Dowling averaged nearly a strikeout an inning during his career, with a 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio to boot. He was 12-16 with a 3.79 ERA, six saves and 141 strikeouts.
The Hemmens Cultural Center is located in downtown Elgin. From contemporary music and theatre to shows for the whole family, The Hemmens features popular acts in an intimate setting.
Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet of Rockford is Winnebago's County's premier Chevy dealer. Lou Bachrodt is located near Cherryvale Mall, just minutes from the stadium.
Johnny Pamcakes, located on E. State St. near Fairview, offers made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Voters can view a player's statistics online by clicking on the player's name at the poll.
Opening Night for the RiverHawks' 10th season is 7:05 p.m. Friday, May 20, when they host Traverse City. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Frontier League Stories from May 12, 2011
- Banks Returns to Wild Things in Trade - Washington Wild Things
- Get Your Tickets for Friiday's Exhibition Game - Washington Wild Things
- Wild Things Exhibition Stymied by Rain; Ends in 2-2 Tie - Washington Wild Things
- CornBelters Knock off Slammers in Exhibition Win - Normal CornBelters
- Vote for Top RiverHawks Reliever - Rockford RiverHawks
- 20-Game Winners Top Poll - Rockford RiverHawks
- Opening Weekend Excitement - Joliet Slammers
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.
