Wingnuts Sign Catcher, Young Arm
June 21, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
Wingnuts Sign Catcher, Young Arm
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed catcher Justin Tellam and acquired pitcher James Hoyt on Thursday.
Tellam hit .277 with seven home runs and 50 RBI in just 60 games played last season for the North American League's Calgary Vipers. The Orange, CA native is in his sixth season of professional baseball, and has gunned down 35% of opposing base stealers during his career. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Tellam was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the 14th round out of Pepperdine University in 2006. Tellam is a lifetime .260 hitter, and has averaged 29 doubles, 14 home runs, 101 RBI, and 57 walks per 162 games played in his career. The 27-year-old backstop was a teammate of Wingnuts' first baseman C.J. Ziegler in Calgary last year.
Hoyt was purchased from the North American League's Edinburg Roadrunners where he was 0-0 with one save and a 1.04 ERA in 12 relief appearances. A 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander, Hoyt struck out 19 batters in 17.1 innings for Edinburg. Last year--and as a true rookie--Hoyt posted a 4.34 ERA with 50 strikeouts in just 37.1 innings for the North American League's Yuma Scorpions.
Both Tellam and Hoyt will be in uniform tonight for Wichita's series opener at Sioux City.
The Wingnuts also released rookie catcher Kevin Whitehead who appeared in three games.
The Wingnuts begin a four-game series at Sioux City tonight at 7:05 p.m. Josh Lowey faces right-hander Ty Marotz. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 92.7 KWME and worldwide at www.pressboxproductionsradio.com
The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, June 26th when they host the St. Paul Saints. Individual tickets can be purchased by calling (316) 755-SEAT, or by visiting www.selectaseat.com
For season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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