Wingnuts Sign Versatile Rookies
Published on April 5, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two players to their roster on Tuesday, signing infielders Evan Button and Tommy Fitzgerald.
Button has spent each of the last two seasons playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Short Season-A affiliate in Yakima, totaling 34 games. In 76 at bats during his two seasons with the Bears, Button collected 12 hits and five doubles with seven RBI. The St. Louis, MO native was originally drafted by Arizona as a 22nd rounder in 2009 out of the University of Mississippi. The 24-year old Button spent four years at 'Ole Miss', hitting .325 as a senior in 2009 in 50 games played. Button is a left-handed hitter and a right-handed thrower.
"Evan is a very athletic individual", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He has a great arm and is able to play all the infield and outfield positions. He will come to spring training battling for a roster spot as our utility guy. You can tell he has a lot of passion for the game and will work hard to get better each and every day."
Fitzgerald played in 86 games as a rookie last season for the Northern League's Schaumburg Flyers. A native of Olathe, KS, Fitzgerald hit .239 over 280 at bats with 10 doubles, 16 RBI, and 27 runs scored. Also a left-handed hitter, but right-handed thrower, Fitzgerald played two years in his home state at Fort Scott Community College. The 24-year old then played two seasons at Bradley University from 2008-2009. During his senior season at Bradley, Fitzgerald hit .324 with four home runs and 31 RBI in 48 games.
"Tommy is another Kansas guy added to the roster", said Hooper. "He has a year of indy ball under his belt and will also battle it out for a roster spot this spring. Tommy can play all the infield and outfield positions and has great hands on the infield. He is a hard worker and will do whatever is needed to get better and help the team any way he can."
The Wingnuts now have 23 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.
2011 Wingnuts Signings RHP Cole Akins RHP Kendy Batista C Edwin Bellorin LHP Josh Berry OF Evan Button RHP Josh Dew 2B Jason Diaz IF D.J. Dixon RHP Reyes Dorado IF Thomas Fitzgerald LHP Eric Gilliland RHP Junior Guerra C Ben Harty SS Josh Horn LHP Trent Lare RHP Brandon Mathes RHP David Miller 3B Juan Richardson RHP Jared Simon RHP Nick Singleton C Jeff Stevens RHP Sean Teague OF Eric Williams
The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com
American Association Stories from April 5, 2011
- Pheasants Sign Rookie Infielder Freeman - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Captains Owners Acquire AirHogs - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- 2011 RailCats Promotional Calendar: Phase Four - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Acquired by Southern Independent Baseball - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Wingnuts Sign Versatile Rookies - Wichita Wingnuts
- College of Charleston to Honor Mike Veeck with Distinguished Communicator Award - St. Paul Saints
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.
