MINERS TRADE FOR CATCHER

MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired the rights to catcher Jake Smith from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the Northern League for a Player to be named later.

Smith played his college baseball at SIU Edwardsville and played his first two professional seasons in Sioux Falls, the first season under current Miners Manager Mike Pinto.

“Jake was with me two seasons ago,” Pinto said. “And I know what I am getting. He is an excellent catch and throw catcher and has the ability to shut down a running game. His experience in an older league will help him here. He has caught two former major league pitchers over that time. That has given him invaluable lessons in pitch selection.”

With the loss of Rob Wirth and Jason Arrowood to the league age limit following the 2007 season, the Miners were left without a catcher on the 2008 roster.

In his two seasons at SIUE, Smith hit .291 with an on base percentage of .359. He received all- Great Lakes Valley Conference honors following the 2006 season.

“Jake is a quality young man who really wanted to come to the Miners,” Pinto said. “I am glad we were able to get this deal done.”

The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.

Information as posted on the Miners Website.