JOLIET, ILLINOIS: Mike Epping has been acquired by the Joliet JackHammers from the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League in exchange for a player to be named later. The Joliet JackHammers home opener will be on May 28th versus the Lake County Fielders, a 2010 Northern League expansion team.
Epping, 26, is from Oklahoma City, OK and was drafted in the 13th round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He ranked 2nd in the Frontier League is stolen bases in 2009 with 42 stolen bases in 93 games played. Prior to signing with Traverse City, Epping advanced to Triple-A Portland with the Padres organization.
“Mike Epping is a player I sought after because he is a great fit for our style. He can steal bases, score runs, and run down balls in the outfield,” said JackHammer’s Manager Chad Parker.
Prior to being drafted by the Padres, Epping was an All-American at the University of New Orleans where he hit .400 with 12 doubles, 8 home runs, 58 RBI, and 42 stolen bases in just 55 games during the 2006 season. Epping’s 42 stolen bases ranked 3rd in Division I baseball in 2006.
