FL Washington Wild Things

Wild Things Send Another Pitcher to Affliliated Ball

Published on August 8, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


WASHINGTON, PA -The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, announced that The Philadelphia Phillies signed right-handed pitcher Casey Barnes. Barnes will report to the Gulf Coast League Phillies in Clearwater Tuesday morning.

"We're thrilled with the success Casey has had with us, and we hope it continues with the Phillies," said Wild Things' field manager, Darin Everson.

The Chandler, Arizona native played college baseball at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he posted a 28-11 record over four seasons. As a senior in 2010, he received the KCAC Golden Glove Award and All-KCAC First Team honors for his 9-4 record and 3.39 ERA that year.

Despite Casey's size (6'0"), Everson decided to take a chance on the young pitcher. Barnes signed with the Wild Things at the end of Spring Training on May 17, 2011, after being released from the Traverse City Beach Bums before the regular season began.

"I was in the parking lot talking to my brother on the phone when Darin called me," said Casey. "I thought uh-oh, this can't be good news! He told me that the Phillies had been tracking me all season, and that they wanted me! I am thrilled; I'm living the dream."

Barnes leaves the Wild Things with a 6-5 record over the season, including a win in the 2011 Frontier League All-Star Game. Barnes is currently the third ranked pitcher in the Frontier League posting an ERA of 2.34 with 51 strikeouts, 19 walks in 84.2 innings played.

"It says a lot about Mark Dewey," added Casey. "There are four players who have advanced to affiliated ball this season, and we're all pitchers....Mark is a great guy, both as a coach and as a role model...I just hope I can find someone like him to work with in the Phillies organization."

Barnes is the fourth Wild Things' pitcher to sign with an affiliated organization this season. Pitcher Mark Williams signed with the Milwaukee Brewers just days ago. Earlier this season pitchers Vidal Nuno's contract was bought by the New York Yankees and Alan Williams signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Wild Things head to Evansville on Tuesday, August 9, for a three-game series against the Otters. Game time is 7:35 p.m., with pre-game coverage starting at 7:25 on WJPA 95.3 FM. The Wild Things return home on Friday, August 12, for a six-game home stand.

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