MINERS RE-SIGN FORMER SALUKI STAR KOSKI

MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed centerfielder Kevin Koski for the 2008 season. The former Southern Illinois Saluki hit .297 as a rookie with the Miners in 2007, but after 25 games his season was cut short when he broke his hamate (wrist) bone in July. He underwent season-ending surgery.

“We project Kevin to be our leadoff man this season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He has a great eye at the plate along with great bat control. Kevin can impact a game with his speed and base running abilities. We expect he will be the table setter for our middle of the lineup guys. Kevin plays great defense and plays the game with abandon. It is great to have him back and healthy.”

While at SIU, Koski was a team captain and set a school record with a 36-game hitting streak that stretched over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Over his four-year college career, Koski hit .319 and stole 55 bases. While in college, he was named “best pure hitter,” “fastest runner” and “best plate discipline” in the Missouri Valley Conference by Baseball America. He also won first team All-MVC honors.

“Kevin is an exciting player, and we’re glad to see him return,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “Mike has done a great job bringing back so many of our key players from last season.”

The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.