Another New Baseball Team in the Midwest Collegiate League....Joliet

The Midwest Collegiate League has another new team for the 2012 summer season, Joliet.  The Midwest Collegiate League announced the club will be owned by Eloot Sports and Entertainment, same organization that owns the Will County CrackerJacks, which is Jamie Toole.  Toole was the GM for the now defunct Joliet JackHammers.

The Joliet club will announce their name this month and have reported the signing of three players so far.  Joliet will play their games at Joliet Junior College.

No More Joliet JackHammers - Now it's the Joliet Slammers

Now that the JackHammers are gone the Joliet Slammers are moving in to Silver Cross Field.  The new owners wanted a new name for the professional team located in Joliet since the former JackHammers ran into financial troubles.

More than 1000 fans suggested names to replace the JackHammers and the Joliet Jailbirds came out as the most suggested name but team executives thought it was a bit much.  The Exec's went along with the prison theme and came up with the Slammers.

The Slammers will open their Frontier League schedule on May 19th 2011 in Joliet against the Washington Wild Things.

Joliet JackHammers, Lake County Fielders, Schaumburg Flyers and Rockford RiverHawks Join Newly Formed North American League

The Northern League, Golden Baseball League and the United League announced they have joined forces to create a new professional baseball league to be known as the North American League. 

The league will cover many of the major markets in the U.S. and Canada and expand in 2012.   The North American League will be second to Major League Baseball in terms of the number of teams and geographies.  The existing leagues will keep their names and their business activities and will now adhere to a consistant set of league rules and by-laws.  The league will have 16 - 20 teams in the U.S. and Canada in 2011.

Illinois teams from the Northern League who will be currently joining forces with the North American League are the Joliet JackHammers, Lake County Fielders, Rockford Riverhawks and the Schaumburg Flyers.

Top Ten Prospects from Independent Baseball Leagues

 

Baseball America's top ten pro prospects from Independent leagues....in bold are the players on Independent teams in Illinois.




1.  Matty Johnson - OF - Gateway Grizzlies
2.  Wes Alsup - RHP - Joliet JackHammers
3.  Chris Garcia - 1B - Shreveport-Bossier 
4.  Ryan Sheldon - RHP - Normal CornBelters
5.  Bobby Pritchett - RHP - Normal CornBelters
6.  Josh Short - OF - Lake County Fielders
7.  Donald Brandt - LHP - Maui
8.  Blake Gailen - OF - Chico
9.  Pat Trettel - C - Lincoln
10. Mark Samuelson - 1B - Chico/Yuma/Tijuana

 

Joliet JackHammer RHP Erik Hamren Signs With the Padres

Pitcher Erik Hamren from the Joliet JackHammers has recently signed with the San Diego Padres and becomes the second JackHammer from the 2010 roster to sign with an MLB affiliated club.

Hamren was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 37th round of the 2008 MLB amateur draft.



 

Joliet JackHammers Owners to Sell Team

The current owners of the Joliet JackHammers baseball team have signed a letter of intent to sell according to city officials from Joliet.

The JackHammers owe the city of Joliet (which owns Silver Cross Field) over $200,000 and vendors over $100,000.

The potential buyer plans of keeping the JackHammers name and the deal should be finalized in the 25 days.

Money from the sale of the franchise would go to the city and vendors, not to the current owners.  The new owners plan to set up a fund to ensure payment to the city and vendors. 

The commissioner of the Northern League, Clark Griffith, has yet to receive paperwork on the change of ownership and would have to approve the sale of the franchise.


 

Joliet JackHammers Chad Parker Named Northern League Manager of the Year

Chad Parker has been named the 2010 Northern League Manager of the Year as he led the JackHammers to a 20 game improvement over 2009 finishing the season with a 53-47 record.

In 2009 Parker was also named Manager of the Year in the Frontier League with River City Rascals. 

Parker has also signed a two-year extension from the JackHammers which will keep him in Joliet through 2012.

 

Jon Nelson Signs With JackHammer Baseball

Baseball in Illinois News

The Joliet JackHammers signed right-handed outfielder and first baseman, Jon Nelson for the 2010 season. Joliet signed Nelson after playing eight seasons with the Settle Mariners.

The 30-year-old Provo, UT native, he played his college baseball years at the Dixie State College of Utah. He was drafted in 2001 as the 26th round pick of the Seattle Mariners in the Amateur entry draft. In eight seasons with the Mariners, Nelson compiled 106 Home Runs and 461 RBIs.

JackHammer Baseball Announces Open Tryouts

The Joliet JackHammers will hold open tryouts on Friday March 26th 2010 at
11:00 am at the Bo Jackson Sports Facility in Lockport Illinois.

To register for this tryout, click on the link below for a registration form and email it to Chad Parker at chad@jackhammerbaseball.com or fax it to 815.726.9223. 

 Open Tryout Registration Form

Jonathan Wyatt Signs With JackHammers Baseball

Baseball in Illinois News

The Joliet JackHammers have signed switch hitting outfielder Jonathan Wyatt for the 2010 season after he spent the last three seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization.

Wyatt, a 25-year-old outfielder, was the 13th round pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft for the Chicago Cubs. This came after two College World Series appearances with the University of Georgia. As a Bulldog, Wyatt earned national recognition as the Rawlings Gold Glove Winner in 2007 for his outstanding defense.

Wyatt went on to play three seasons in the Cubs organization with his best year coming in 2007. The outfielder hit .306 with four homeruns and 41 RBIs for Boise. In 2008, he split the year between the Daytona Cubs and Peoria Chiefs before spending all of 2009 in the Florida State League with Daytona.

JackHammer Baseball Signs Andrew Bovich

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

The Joliet JackHammers added another pitcher to their staff with the signing of 24 year old, Andrew Bovich. The left-handed pitcher was signed by the JackHammers on February 15, 2010. The JackHammers home opener will be on May 28th, 2010 against the Lake County Fielders, a Northern League expansion team.



Bovich, a former standout at Point Loma University in San Diego, CA, he was signed as a free-agent to the Arizona Rookie League by the San Diego Padres in 2009. He went 13-1 his senior season at Point Loma and went 0-0 with a 2.89 ERA in the Arizona Rookie League for the Padres in 2009. He advanced to the Eugene Emeralds, the Class “A” affiliate of the Padres, where he finished the season 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA.

Rory Shortell is Back With JackHammer Baseball for 2010

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Rory Shortell is headed back to Joliet for the 2010 season. The right-handed pitcher was acquired in a trade from Sioux City on April 1, 2009.

"Rory is a competitor that can eat up a big number of innings for us,” said JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker. “Obviously he has had some good success here in the past and I am proud that he wants to be a part of our turn-around here."

Shortell, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, was drafted in 2003 by the Houston Astros. He spent five seasons in the Astros organization, finishing up in 2007 in Salem Virginia, the Astros Single “A” affiliate. Shortell had a strong year in 2008, logging a career-high 119.1 innings pitched at Atlantic City of the independent Can-Am League. The 6’3” Portland, Oregon went 3-7 with a 5.25 ERA in ’09 for the JackHammers.

Cedric Landrum Announced as JackHammers Hitting Coach

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

The Joliet JackHammers have completed talks with former Major League player, Cedric Landrum, to be the Orange Crush hitting coach for the 2010 season. A former Chicago Cub, Cedric Landrum was a part of the ’91outfield with newly inducted Hall of Famer Andre Dawson.



Landrum, an Alabama native, will try to bring a spark and a new approach on hitting to a JackHammers team who finished with a team batting average of .261 in 2009. With core players like; Kevin Rios, Brad Correll and Freddie Thon already set in stone, Landrum has a solid foundation of hitters to work with this season.

Cedric, as well as, the rest of the 2010 JackHammer coaching staff will be at the Orange Crush Winter Warm-Up, Monday, February 8, 2010 at The Department at 5:10 pm. Last chance tickets are on sale by calling the JackHammers at (815) 726-2255.

Jachammers Anderson Returns for 2010

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources


JOLIET, ILLINOIS - Devin Anderson is headed back to Joliet for the 2010 season. The left-handed pitcher was originally signed by the Orange Crush October 31, 2008. The Joliet JackHammers home opener will be on May 28th versus the Lake County Fielders, a 2010 Northern League expansion team.



"Devin is a great guy to have on the pitching staff because he will take the ball anytime, in any situation and will give you all he has,” said JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker. “He is a true gamer that loves to be in big situations."


Anderson, a 26-year-old southpaw, was a 28th round draft pick in 2002 for the Atlanta Braves. He spent four seasons in the Braves organization, finishing up in 2006 with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Braves Single A affiliate. In 2007, Anderson pitched for the Macon Music of the Independent South Coast League before joining the JackHammers in 2009. The 6’5” Ocoee, Florida native spent time as both a starter and reliever for the ’09 JackHammers.

 

Champ the Wonder Dog Goes on the Disabled List

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Joliet, Illinois - The Joliet JackHammers Wonder Dog Champ has been placed on the disabled list due to an injury last week. The five-year-old Golden Lab had a toenail on his back left foot partially torn off after an incident in the icy weather. Champ was taken to Shorewood Animal Hospital and is said to be resting comfortably at home.

Champ’s absence from the JackHammers Front Office will no doubt leave a void in the weeks to come. He is expected to make a full recovery and be in game shape by the time Spring Training rolls around.


“I know Champ as well as anyone, and he’s one tough dog,” said Nick Hill, Head Groundskeeper and caretaker for Champ. “He will be put through a rigorous rehab program to ensure his return for the start of the 2010 regular season.”

Champ is a vital piece to the Joliet JackHammers team, retrieving bats from the field during the 4th inning of each home game. For further updates on Champ’s comeback, email Nick Hill at nhill@jackhammerbaseball.com or call 815-726-2255.

Rios Returns to Jackhammers for 2010

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Kevin Rios to play out option with the JackHammers for the 2010 season. Rios, an Orange Crush alum, was signed to the JackHammers March 12, 2009. The Joliet JackHammers home opener will be on May 28th versus the Lake County Fielders, a 2010 Northern League expansion team



Rios, 28, is from Santa Anna, CA and was drafted in 26th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the New York Mets. He spent four years in the Mets system, rising to AA in Binghamton, the Mets Eastern League Affiliate. Rios has spent the past three seasons in independent leagues, two in Can-Am League with the Sussex Skyhawks and one with the JackHammers.

Joliet Jackhammers vs Chicago Bandits

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

The Joliet JackHammers announced “Bandits and Boys” today, an exhibition game against the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fast Pitch League. The battle is scheduled for Monday, August 9 at 6:10 p.m.

The JackHammers will face off against some of the most talented athletes in the NPF, in what is sure to be a great clash of genders. Eileen Canney, a second round draft pick out of Northwestern University, spoke today about the match up at a press conference held by the JackHammers. Canney was a two time Big Ten Pitcher of the year, three time All Big 10 selection, two time First-Team NFCA All-Midwest Region and Big 10 Freshman of the Year honors, as well as leading her team to consecutive World Series appearances.

The planning of this event comes on the heels of the Schaumburg Flyers’ success last season. The Flyers drew a record crowd of 8,918 to Alexian Field when they were defeated by the Bandits 4-2. Along with “Bandits and Boys,” the Chicago Bandits also plan to play a regular season game at Silver Cross Field this summer.

Freddie Thon returns to the Joliet Jackhammers!

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Freddie Thon, who spent part of the 2008 season and all of 2009 with the JackHammers at first base, will play out his option in Joliet for the 2010 season. The Joliet JackHammers home opener will be on May 28th versus the Lake County Fielders, a 2010 Northern League expansion team


“Freddie plays a great game,” said JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker. “He works hard to entertain the crowd every night.”

A native of Puerto Rico, the 25-year-old Thon began his career when he signed with Texas in the 18th round of the 2004 draft. He spent the first part of the 2008 season with the JackHammers before the White Sox picked up his contract in mid-June. Thon finished the regular season in Single “A” with the Winston-Salem Warthogs before moving up to “AA” Birmingham for the Southern League playoffs.

In 2009, the JackHammers welcomed Thon back for another solid season. While in Joliet, Thon hit .302 with 11 home runs and 63 RBI’s. He was selected to play for the Great Lakes team in the Northern League All-Star game held at Silver Cross Field. Prior to the game, Thon was crowned the Home Run Derby champion.

JACKHAMMERS ADD EPPING

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

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.

Hooters and Hammers!

jackhammerbaseball.com: News:

JOLIET, IL- The Joliet JackHammers are adding new “Bat Boys” to

the Thursday night lineup. The Orange Crush is teaming up with Hooters
Restaurant for a new on-field promotion for the 2010 season. Hooters girls
dressed in uniform will be performing the duties of the bat boys on Thursday

nights throughout the season. The girls will also be tossing merchandise into
the stands in between innings while accompanied by “Hootie,” the Hooters
owl mascot.

“We are excited that Hooters wants to be more involved at the ballpark this
season,” says Matt Mendes, Corporate Sales Manager of the JackHammers.
“Thursday games should be a hoot this year!”

Hooters is once again sponsoring the JackHammers Team Photo Giveaway
scheduled for August 2010. The restaurant will also be providing dinner for
the players and Front Office staff members on Thursdays.