Young Infielder Smart Picked up by Wingnuts
August 9, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (August 9, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts will play at home for the first time in over two weeks on Sunday evening when they welcome the Joplin Blasters to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. With another flurry of roster moves before the game, most fans will likely be flipping through their game program to identify the players suiting up for the home team. The Wingnuts signed infielder Taylor Smart and released both Jerry Gonzalez and Tyler Heil.
The 23-year old Smart began the season playing a variety of positions around the infield for the Amarillo Sox. In 50 games with the Nuts' rivals in the south Division, Smart played mainly third base, but also received action at both second base and shortstop. At the plate, he hit .206, drove in 16 runs, and stole seven bases.
The native of Maple Valley, Washington began his professional career last season as a 26th round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners. He played 44 games with the Everett AquaSox and batted .220 with 12 RBI. He also rotated among shortstop, third base, and second base with the Mariners Single-A affiliate. He has a career .961 fielding percentage.
In his final year of college eligibility at the University of Tennessee, Smart put together a season that featured a .292 batting average, four home runs, and 29 RBI in the tradition-rich Southeastern Conference. The second-year pro began his college career at Western Nevada Community College, where he spent a pair of seasons.Â
Gonzalez and Heil both helped the short-handed Wingnuts to an 8-6 record on their recent East Coast trip. Gonzalez played eight games at second base and finished with three RBI, each of which helped push the Wingnuts to a late lead or tie the game. Heil had two hits in five games and also pitched a scoreless inning.
For information on 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.
American Association Stories from August 9, 2015
- Blasters Bolt Past Wingnuts in Series Opener - Joplin Blasters
- Nuts Can't Hold Early Lead, Drop 12-8 Decision to Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Goldeyes Lose Game, Series in St. Paul - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Magic Number Shrinks to Four as Saints Win Ninth Straight 8-5 over Goldeyes - St. Paul Saints
- RedHawks Pile Runs on T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- X's Make It Twelve Wins In A Row With 9-4 Victory At The Birdcage - Sioux City Explorers
- 'Dogs Come Back to Win in 11, Clinch Series - Lincoln Saltdogs
- 'Cats Blow Another Lead, Drop Series to Last-Place Lincoln - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Young Infielder Smart Picked up by Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
- AirHogs Outduel Lemurs - Grand Prairie AirHogs
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.
