Yuma Scorpions Sign Five

February 13, 2006 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Yuma Scorpions News Release


(Yuma, Arizona February 13, 2006) The Yuma Scorpions announced today the signing of five players to contracts for the upcoming 2006 season. Infielder Henry Calderon and right-handed pitcher Jorge Perez return to Yuma for another season. In addition, rookie infielder Jean Castro, rookie outfielder Kalen Norton, and catcher Steve Smith, who played with Winnipeg in the Northern League last season, also join the Scorpions.

Henry Calderon, a 28 year old, 6'1", 190 pound, right-handed hitting infielder, was Yuma's regular shortstop last season. He will begin his 10th minor league season in 2006, and has reached as high as Double-A during two campaigns with the Kansas City Royals club in Wichita. He was also named the Northwest League All-Star third baseman in 1998 when he played for Single-A Spokane. He resides year round in Yuma and this will be his third season of professional ball in this city after playing with the Scorpions last year and with the Yuma Bullfrogs in the Western League in 2002. In 2005, he was one of the dominant hitters in the league as he finished with the third best batting average of .347. He was second in triples with 8, and was fifth in hits at 103.

Jorge Perez, a 30 year old, 6'4", 220 pound right-hander was one of Yuma's top pitchers last season with a record of 10-4 and an E.R.A. of 3.89. This included two complete games and a shutout in 17 starts. He finished fourth in the GBL in wins and second in shutouts while striking out 92 batters in 111 innings pitched. He was originally signed as a free agent by Toronto in 1997 and played in the Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers farm systems for six seasons. Before coming to Yuma last year, he also was the ace of the pitching staff for Kelowna of the Canadian Baseball League in 2003.

Steven Smith, a 23 year old, 6'1", 195 pound catcher played as a rookie with the Winnipeg Goldeyes after completing a stellar college career at Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 2005. Originally from Coral Springs, Florida, he was named Team MVP as a freshman and All-Conference 2nd Team as a junior as he captained Nova Southeastern squad. His 48 at bats in the Northern League allows him to retain his rookie status in the GBL for the upcoming season.

Kalen Norton, a 24 year old, 6'2", 185 pound rookie outfielder will be attending his second season of spring training with the Golden League as he joins the Scorpions in 2006. He was one of the last players released by the Scorpions during spring training last year, after an excellent amateur career including time at Cerritos College in southern California.

Jean Castro, a 23 year old, 6'0", 185 pound rookie infielder played two seasons with Western Nebraska Community College. He was discovered and signed by Team Manager Benny Castillo and Alex Arias at the Florida tryout camp that the Scorpions held in Fort Lauderdale in late January. According to both coaches, he was easily the best player at the tryout, excelling with his glove, bat, and speed.

"I'm getting really excited about the 2006 season as our spring training roster starts to shape up," said Yuma Scorpions Manager, Benny Castillo. "Henry and Jorge are key to the team and all three of these new rookies have the ability to not only make the club but to battle for starting positions. I can't wait for May!"

The Yuma Scorpions begin the 2006 season on June 1st versus the San Diego Surf Dawgs. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information, please visit www.yumscorpions.com.

About the Golden Baseball League

The Golden Baseball League, Presented by Safeway/Vons, Inc., is an independent professional baseball league operating under a single-entity ownership model, with the League owning all the individual teams. The Golden Baseball League cities include: Chico, CA; Fullerton, CA; Long Beach, CA; San Diego, CA; Yuma, AZ; and Reno, NV. The season will consist of two 40-game halves, with a three-day All Star break in July. It begins on June 1, and concludes on Labor Day Weekend with a best-of-five championship series between the winners of the two halves. Each team will have a 23 player roster.

For general information about the GBL, please visit our web site at www.goldenbaseball.com.



Golden Baseball League Stories from February 13, 2006


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