MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed former University of Connecticut outfielder Josh Farkes and former SIU Edwardsville pitcher Clay Zavada for the 2008 season.
In 2006 at UConn, Farkes posted a .349 batting average and did not commit an error in 52 games. He also earned Player of the Week honors in the Big East. The strong-armed Farkes was slowed during the 2007 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery but still managed to hit five home runs and drive in 26 RBI in 50 games.
“I had a chance to work Josh out down in Clearwater,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is very athletic, has a plus arm from the outfield and showed the ability to hit the ball to all fields along with showing bat speed and some power. Josh also threw off the mound for me and he may be an option there as well.”
Zavada, a hard throwing lefty, comes to the Miners from the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. In his 2006 rookie season with the D-backs Pioneer League affiliate, the Missoula Osprey, he posted a 3.47 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 49.1 innings and walked only 15. In his 22 relief appearances he held opposing hitters to a .217 average. Following the death of his father, he took the 2007 season off to get his family farm in order.
“Clay is anxious to get back to baseball after the year off,” Pinto said. “I have watched Clay since his junior college days. He throws hard. He throws strikes and does not allow many base runners. Clay will be a great addition to our staff. He hopes to come in, excel and get himself back to a major league organization.”
Zavada was selected by Arizona in the 30th round of the 2006 draft out of SIUE. In his final season in college he went 5-3 with a 2.42 ERA. He was second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 90 strikeouts in 70.1 innings.
He is the fifth pitcher the Miners have added to the roster since the end of the 2007 season. Zavada was a college teammate of catcher Jake Smith who the Miners acquired in a trade earlier this week.
“You can tell Mike has really focused on adding pitching depth this season,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “I’m sure our fans are eager to see how well this team is shaping up.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.
Miners
Miners
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
MINERS GAME WORN JERSEYS AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION
MARION, Ill. – Starting this week fans will have a chance to buy official game worn jerseys from the Southern Illinois Miners inaugural 2007 season. Every week two jerseys will be auctioned individually on eBay.
This will be the only opportunity for Miners fans to own this unique piece of history from the team's record-breaking season at Rent One Park. All jerseys feature the official inaugural 2007 season patch sewn onto the right sleeve and come with a certificate of authenticity.
The first auctions will feature the No. 2 jersey, worn by Eric Harryman and Bryant Perdomo, and the No. 31 jersey, worn by Ryan Hanson and Joey Metropoulos. The auctions of these two jerseys will begin Wednesday, Jan. 23 at noon CST and run through Saturday, Feb. 2 at noon CST.
Every week the team will auction two more jerseys. Starting Feb. 1, all subsequent jersey auctions will run from Friday at noon until the following Friday at noon.
Schedules of future jerseys available for auction will be updated periodically on the Miners website so fans are encouraged to check here for updates.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.
This will be the only opportunity for Miners fans to own this unique piece of history from the team's record-breaking season at Rent One Park. All jerseys feature the official inaugural 2007 season patch sewn onto the right sleeve and come with a certificate of authenticity.
The first auctions will feature the No. 2 jersey, worn by Eric Harryman and Bryant Perdomo, and the No. 31 jersey, worn by Ryan Hanson and Joey Metropoulos. The auctions of these two jerseys will begin Wednesday, Jan. 23 at noon CST and run through Saturday, Feb. 2 at noon CST.
Every week the team will auction two more jerseys. Starting Feb. 1, all subsequent jersey auctions will run from Friday at noon until the following Friday at noon.
Schedules of future jerseys available for auction will be updated periodically on the Miners website so fans are encouraged to check here for updates.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Arnett, McMurran join Miners
MARION — The Southern Illinois Miners have signed third baseman/outfielder Brad Arnett and right handed pitcher Jake McMurran for the 2008 season.
Both Arnett and McMurran played their college ball at Missouri Baptist University and spent the summer of 2007 playing for the NBC World Series Champion Havasu Heat. Two of their teammates on the Heat were current Miners Drew Moffit and Nick Starnes.
Arnett hit .520 with an .840 slugging percentage to win MVP honors in the NBC World Series. With the Heat in 2007, Arnett hit .432 overall with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 10 stolen bases. He was an all-American at MBU where he hit .373 with five home runs his senior season.
“Everyone I have spoken to has told me that Brad can just flat swing the bat,” Miners manger Mike Pinto said. “He has hit successfully everywhere he has played, and we are glad to add him to the Miners this season.”
McMurran went 4-0 with a 1.98 ERA with his submarine delivery with the Heat. He struck out 41 batters while walking only nine and holding opponents to a .172 batting average.
As a closer at MBU he went 4-2 with four saves in 13 games in 2007. While in college he earned all-America and all-conference honors in the American Midwest Conference.
“The scouting report on Jake is he is a hard thrower from down under,” Pinto said. “He lives on the inner half of the plate and is a flat out competitor. We will most likely use him in the latter part of the ballgame to complement Travis (Hope).”
The Miners have now announced the signing of four players this month including pitchers Jon Bjelland and Nick Starnes last week.
Both Arnett and McMurran played their college ball at Missouri Baptist University and spent the summer of 2007 playing for the NBC World Series Champion Havasu Heat. Two of their teammates on the Heat were current Miners Drew Moffit and Nick Starnes.
Arnett hit .520 with an .840 slugging percentage to win MVP honors in the NBC World Series. With the Heat in 2007, Arnett hit .432 overall with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 10 stolen bases. He was an all-American at MBU where he hit .373 with five home runs his senior season.
“Everyone I have spoken to has told me that Brad can just flat swing the bat,” Miners manger Mike Pinto said. “He has hit successfully everywhere he has played, and we are glad to add him to the Miners this season.”
McMurran went 4-0 with a 1.98 ERA with his submarine delivery with the Heat. He struck out 41 batters while walking only nine and holding opponents to a .172 batting average.
As a closer at MBU he went 4-2 with four saves in 13 games in 2007. While in college he earned all-America and all-conference honors in the American Midwest Conference.
“The scouting report on Jake is he is a hard thrower from down under,” Pinto said. “He lives on the inner half of the plate and is a flat out competitor. We will most likely use him in the latter part of the ballgame to complement Travis (Hope).”
The Miners have now announced the signing of four players this month including pitchers Jon Bjelland and Nick Starnes last week.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
MINERS BOLSTER PITCHING STAFF WITH FIRST SIGNINGS OF 2008
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed left-handed pitcher Jon Bjelland and right-handed pitcher Nick Starnes for the 2008 season. This is the beginning of Manager Mike Pinto’s commitment to add even more quality arms to the Miners pitching staff.
“We are excited to add Jon and Nick to our pitching staff,” Pinto said. “They are both hard throwers and they throw strikes.”
Bjelland went 11-0 with a 2.17 ERA and struck out 95 batters in 70.2 innings as a senior at Minnesota State University in 2007. This earned him Central Region Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Region honors. In his career at MSU, Bjelland went 22-1 with a 2.26 ERA, striking out 184 batters in 147 innings.
He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a fifth-year senior in May of 2007. However, he was released by the D-backs when a small tear was found in his rotator cuff. Following successful surgery this past August, Bjelland has completed his rehab and expects to be fully healthy and ready for Miners spring training.
“Jon has shown the ability to win a lot of games over the last four years,” Pinto said. “He is a strikeout guy and is stingy in allowing hits. Jon is a big strong lefty who throws hard. After successful surgery and rehab he could certainly help our club this season.”
Starnes played four seasons at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was a teammate of Miners outfielder Drew Moffitt in the 2007 National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series, the premier semi-pro world baseball tournament.
“Nick has plus velocity and an exceptional breaking ball, and he throws strikes.” Pinto said. “We expect him to compete for one of the spots in the rotation.”
Following his senior year of high school, Starnes was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth round of the 2002 draft but did not sign. That year Baseball America ranked him as the No. 31 best high school prospect.
In 2007 he went 6-0 with a 2.34 ERA with the NBC World Series Champion Havasu Heat. He recorded 47 strikeouts and walked just 11 batters in 34 innings.
“Mike has made a commitment to create a strong pitching staff,” Miners GM Tim Arseneau said. “I know he’s working hard right now to continue to add to this team, and we’ll see even more talent added this year.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.
“We are excited to add Jon and Nick to our pitching staff,” Pinto said. “They are both hard throwers and they throw strikes.”
Bjelland went 11-0 with a 2.17 ERA and struck out 95 batters in 70.2 innings as a senior at Minnesota State University in 2007. This earned him Central Region Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Region honors. In his career at MSU, Bjelland went 22-1 with a 2.26 ERA, striking out 184 batters in 147 innings.
He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a fifth-year senior in May of 2007. However, he was released by the D-backs when a small tear was found in his rotator cuff. Following successful surgery this past August, Bjelland has completed his rehab and expects to be fully healthy and ready for Miners spring training.
“Jon has shown the ability to win a lot of games over the last four years,” Pinto said. “He is a strikeout guy and is stingy in allowing hits. Jon is a big strong lefty who throws hard. After successful surgery and rehab he could certainly help our club this season.”
Starnes played four seasons at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was a teammate of Miners outfielder Drew Moffitt in the 2007 National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series, the premier semi-pro world baseball tournament.
“Nick has plus velocity and an exceptional breaking ball, and he throws strikes.” Pinto said. “We expect him to compete for one of the spots in the rotation.”
Following his senior year of high school, Starnes was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth round of the 2002 draft but did not sign. That year Baseball America ranked him as the No. 31 best high school prospect.
In 2007 he went 6-0 with a 2.34 ERA with the NBC World Series Champion Havasu Heat. He recorded 47 strikeouts and walked just 11 batters in 34 innings.
“Mike has made a commitment to create a strong pitching staff,” Miners GM Tim Arseneau said. “I know he’s working hard right now to continue to add to this team, and we’ll see even more talent added this year.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Former Miners reliever signs with White Sox organization
By Justin Walker, Marion Daily Republican
MARION -- Brian Logan says he doesn't have a favorite professional baseball team. There is no reason to doubt the validity of his statement even though he says it with a chuckle as if declaring neutrality in a war between family members.
It's a good move on his part. Especially now that Logan, who shined as a left-handed middle reliever with the Southern Illinois Miners last summer, is a member of the Chicago White Sox organization. Logan was signed by the American League squad this week and can now say he has been the property of four different major league squads in his young professional career.
"I'm pumped. I'm excited to know I'm getting another chance," Logan said. "I've been in the minors chasing my dream and even though I was let go once, it's nice to feel like someone believes in you. Now I just have to go out and prove it."
Logan, 21, was originally taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 11th round of the Major League Draft after his senior year at Varina High School in Richmond, Va., but turned down a contract offer to attend Louisburg College, where he redshirted due to an injury but was still drafted as a sign-and-follow prospect by the Baltimore Orioles in the 21st round prior to his sophomore year.
Bad luck in the form of mononucleosis caused Logan to see action in just four games that season, but his reputation allowed him to sign as a free agent with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played in rookie ball and was invited to Spring Training but was released in the final week before the season.
That path led to Marion and a key part of the Southern Illinois Miners' inaugural season in the independent Frontier League. Logan was dominant as a southpaw artist used primarily in specialty situations by Miners manager Mike Pinto.
"We would match him up against lefties and you're talking about a lefty with a 91-92 mph fastball with good life on it," Pinto said. "His ball runs in with good late movement and that's not an easy thing to pick up."
Logan was technically a member of the River City Rascals when he was signed by the White Sox. The Miners traded Logan to Gateway in the second half of the season for starter Chris Little, only to regain Logan's services after Gateway traded him to River City with a stipulation that Logan be sent back to the Rascals for the 2008 season.
Logan excelled under the instruction of Miners pitching coach Brad Hall and was named to the Frontier League All-Star Game as a result of some clutch performances last summer. Logan appeared in 28 games while with the Miners, compiling a 3.26 earned run average and striking out 35 batters in 30 1-3 innings. Hitters batted just .263 against him.
"(Hall) worked with me and got me really feeling things," Logan said. "After I was traded it kind of messed up my mindset, but when I came back we got back into it and I understood what he was trying to teach me -- and I was excited about learning what he had to teach me."
Logan began his college career as a starter but was moved to a reliever's role after his bout with mono, a move that paid off for all parties involved.
"I like coming in and being able to throw all your pitches and go right after a guy," Logan said. "I prefer that to being a starter. I keep the mindset that I could come in any inning so I have to be ready. If the starter gets in trouble, I'm ready to go."
Whether it was to preserve a lead or get the Miners out of a sticky situation, Logan was called upon more than any reliever last season to shut down the opposition over the middle innings.
"He came into some tough situations and did a great job," Pinto said. "His being named an all-star was tribute to the job he did. I'm glad we were able to get him back. It worked out well for us."
Logan doesn't know where he'll be assigned within the White Sox organization as of yet.
"I haven't talked to them," he said. "Pinto just called and gave me the heads up and wished me good luck. I'll just continue to work out and hopefully I'll hear something by Christmas."
Logan's goal is to join the White Sox in training camp and this time earn an assignment to a Class A team and take his chances.
"This year I want to start out where I left off, if not go higher," Logan said. "Hopefully I'll go to Spring Training and show them I can compete and then work my way up."
If that doesn't work out, Logan didn't rule out making his way back to Marion sometime in the future.
"That wouldn't be too bad," he said. "I loved my time there."
Although the Miners have yet to play a game in their second season, they've already had two players be picked up by major league organizations. First baseman Tim Dorn was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first half of the Miners' inaugural season.
"Hopefully we'll improve that number next year," Pinto said. "The reason guys come here is for a chance to follow their dreams. I couldn't be happier for Brian. He's worked really hard and we know he has the stuff to succeed there. When he trusts his stuff, he is exceptional."
MARION -- Brian Logan says he doesn't have a favorite professional baseball team. There is no reason to doubt the validity of his statement even though he says it with a chuckle as if declaring neutrality in a war between family members.
It's a good move on his part. Especially now that Logan, who shined as a left-handed middle reliever with the Southern Illinois Miners last summer, is a member of the Chicago White Sox organization. Logan was signed by the American League squad this week and can now say he has been the property of four different major league squads in his young professional career.
"I'm pumped. I'm excited to know I'm getting another chance," Logan said. "I've been in the minors chasing my dream and even though I was let go once, it's nice to feel like someone believes in you. Now I just have to go out and prove it."
Logan, 21, was originally taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 11th round of the Major League Draft after his senior year at Varina High School in Richmond, Va., but turned down a contract offer to attend Louisburg College, where he redshirted due to an injury but was still drafted as a sign-and-follow prospect by the Baltimore Orioles in the 21st round prior to his sophomore year.
Bad luck in the form of mononucleosis caused Logan to see action in just four games that season, but his reputation allowed him to sign as a free agent with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played in rookie ball and was invited to Spring Training but was released in the final week before the season.
That path led to Marion and a key part of the Southern Illinois Miners' inaugural season in the independent Frontier League. Logan was dominant as a southpaw artist used primarily in specialty situations by Miners manager Mike Pinto.
"We would match him up against lefties and you're talking about a lefty with a 91-92 mph fastball with good life on it," Pinto said. "His ball runs in with good late movement and that's not an easy thing to pick up."
Logan was technically a member of the River City Rascals when he was signed by the White Sox. The Miners traded Logan to Gateway in the second half of the season for starter Chris Little, only to regain Logan's services after Gateway traded him to River City with a stipulation that Logan be sent back to the Rascals for the 2008 season.
Logan excelled under the instruction of Miners pitching coach Brad Hall and was named to the Frontier League All-Star Game as a result of some clutch performances last summer. Logan appeared in 28 games while with the Miners, compiling a 3.26 earned run average and striking out 35 batters in 30 1-3 innings. Hitters batted just .263 against him.
"(Hall) worked with me and got me really feeling things," Logan said. "After I was traded it kind of messed up my mindset, but when I came back we got back into it and I understood what he was trying to teach me -- and I was excited about learning what he had to teach me."
Logan began his college career as a starter but was moved to a reliever's role after his bout with mono, a move that paid off for all parties involved.
"I like coming in and being able to throw all your pitches and go right after a guy," Logan said. "I prefer that to being a starter. I keep the mindset that I could come in any inning so I have to be ready. If the starter gets in trouble, I'm ready to go."
Whether it was to preserve a lead or get the Miners out of a sticky situation, Logan was called upon more than any reliever last season to shut down the opposition over the middle innings.
"He came into some tough situations and did a great job," Pinto said. "His being named an all-star was tribute to the job he did. I'm glad we were able to get him back. It worked out well for us."
Logan doesn't know where he'll be assigned within the White Sox organization as of yet.
"I haven't talked to them," he said. "Pinto just called and gave me the heads up and wished me good luck. I'll just continue to work out and hopefully I'll hear something by Christmas."
Logan's goal is to join the White Sox in training camp and this time earn an assignment to a Class A team and take his chances.
"This year I want to start out where I left off, if not go higher," Logan said. "Hopefully I'll go to Spring Training and show them I can compete and then work my way up."
If that doesn't work out, Logan didn't rule out making his way back to Marion sometime in the future.
"That wouldn't be too bad," he said. "I loved my time there."
Although the Miners have yet to play a game in their second season, they've already had two players be picked up by major league organizations. First baseman Tim Dorn was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first half of the Miners' inaugural season.
"Hopefully we'll improve that number next year," Pinto said. "The reason guys come here is for a chance to follow their dreams. I couldn't be happier for Brian. He's worked really hard and we know he has the stuff to succeed there. When he trusts his stuff, he is exceptional."
Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year
The Southern Illinois Miners were recently named the Marion Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year- the team will receive its award at a banquet to be held on Friday, January 18th
Santana joining Miners coaching staff
By Justin Walker, Marion Daily Republican
MARION — Ralph Santana spent a lot of time either on first base or a few feet away during the Southern Illinois Miners' inaugural season. He'll continue that trend in the Frontier League squad's second year — in foul territory.
Santana has been hired as a member of the Miners coaching staff, team manager Mike Pinto said. The former second baseman and leadoff hitter will man the first base box and serve as the team's running and infielders coach.
“I like the way they treated me here last year,” Santana said in a press release issued by the team. “I want to stick around and help this team win a championship. I’m looking forward to being a coach and helping these guys get better any way I can.”
Pinto coached Santana while both were with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association and Pinto worked for several months to make Santana a member of the Miners' first team.
Santana quickly became a fan favorite and was one of six Miners named to the Frontier League All-Star Game and the team's lone representative on the postseason All-Star squad.
"I've watched Ralph for two years and watched him mature," Pinto said. "But mostly I've come to watch how he really has a great baseball intelligence. He has baseball smarts. He looks for the little things in the game that will give us an advantage to win.
"And he's a very hard worker. He will work our young guys strongly so they have a lot to look forward to. He will take care of them."
Last year's first base coach, Bart Zeller, will remain a member of the coaching staff along with pitching coach Brad Hall and bullpen coach Sean Patrick, Pinto said. Frontier League rules allow a team as many coaches as its budget will allow.
The 27-year-old Santana exceeded the Frontier League age limit after spending just one year with the Miners. It was the last of seven years in professional baseball, where he compiled a career batting average of .298 and ripped 740 hits.
Santana, a lefthanded batter and righthanded thrower, had more hits than anyone in the Frontier League last season (126) and held a batting average of .342 that was third-best in the league. The Orlando, Fla., native was a big reason why the Miners had the league's highest hit total (936) and finished second in team batting average (.282).
Santana stole a team-high 25 bases last season in addition to knocking in 47 runs — including three home runs — while battling nagging injuries.
He also recorded 270 putouts at second base, often making tough plays look routine. Statistics provided to Pinto by the Frontier League show that Santana had 47 more putouts than the next closest second baseman.
Although Santana's playing days in the Frontier League are over, he could have pursued joining a team in another independent league — former Miners outfielder Andre Marshall has signed with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association, for example — but after chasing his dream for seven years, has decided to take another route.
"He certainly could've played a number of places and I've received a number of calls," Pinto said. "But I think he's at the point where he has nothing else to prove and has decided to look at the next stage of his life."
Santana has also begun assisting with speed and agility training with Born Athletic, Inc. in Marion, a company expanded earlier this month by owner Dr. Toby Brooks.
The Miners begin their second season May 21 on the road against the Gateway Grizzlies. Their home opener is slated for Saturday, May 24.
MARION — Ralph Santana spent a lot of time either on first base or a few feet away during the Southern Illinois Miners' inaugural season. He'll continue that trend in the Frontier League squad's second year — in foul territory.
Santana has been hired as a member of the Miners coaching staff, team manager Mike Pinto said. The former second baseman and leadoff hitter will man the first base box and serve as the team's running and infielders coach.
“I like the way they treated me here last year,” Santana said in a press release issued by the team. “I want to stick around and help this team win a championship. I’m looking forward to being a coach and helping these guys get better any way I can.”
Pinto coached Santana while both were with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association and Pinto worked for several months to make Santana a member of the Miners' first team.
Santana quickly became a fan favorite and was one of six Miners named to the Frontier League All-Star Game and the team's lone representative on the postseason All-Star squad.
"I've watched Ralph for two years and watched him mature," Pinto said. "But mostly I've come to watch how he really has a great baseball intelligence. He has baseball smarts. He looks for the little things in the game that will give us an advantage to win.
"And he's a very hard worker. He will work our young guys strongly so they have a lot to look forward to. He will take care of them."
Last year's first base coach, Bart Zeller, will remain a member of the coaching staff along with pitching coach Brad Hall and bullpen coach Sean Patrick, Pinto said. Frontier League rules allow a team as many coaches as its budget will allow.
The 27-year-old Santana exceeded the Frontier League age limit after spending just one year with the Miners. It was the last of seven years in professional baseball, where he compiled a career batting average of .298 and ripped 740 hits.
Santana, a lefthanded batter and righthanded thrower, had more hits than anyone in the Frontier League last season (126) and held a batting average of .342 that was third-best in the league. The Orlando, Fla., native was a big reason why the Miners had the league's highest hit total (936) and finished second in team batting average (.282).
Santana stole a team-high 25 bases last season in addition to knocking in 47 runs — including three home runs — while battling nagging injuries.
He also recorded 270 putouts at second base, often making tough plays look routine. Statistics provided to Pinto by the Frontier League show that Santana had 47 more putouts than the next closest second baseman.
Although Santana's playing days in the Frontier League are over, he could have pursued joining a team in another independent league — former Miners outfielder Andre Marshall has signed with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association, for example — but after chasing his dream for seven years, has decided to take another route.
"He certainly could've played a number of places and I've received a number of calls," Pinto said. "But I think he's at the point where he has nothing else to prove and has decided to look at the next stage of his life."
Santana has also begun assisting with speed and agility training with Born Athletic, Inc. in Marion, a company expanded earlier this month by owner Dr. Toby Brooks.
The Miners begin their second season May 21 on the road against the Gateway Grizzlies. Their home opener is slated for Saturday, May 24.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
SIMMONS RECEIVES AWARD
Southern Illinois Miners owner Jayne Simmons has been selected by the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago to receive the Club’s Minor League Executive-of-the-Year Award. Simmons will be honored at the organization’s annual awards banquet on Jan. 20 at the Donald E. Stephens Center in Rosemont, Ill.
“I’m very honored, especially for this being our first year,” Simmons said. “It took a lot of hard work to get to this, but I certainly can’t take all of the credit. We have a tremendous staff who just worked their tail off this past year, and it makes me look good. Our staff, our sponsors and our fans, they all combined to make this an unbelievable year.”
The Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago is a professional baseball organization that promotes professionals in the game of baseball in the Chicagoland area. The awards are selected by the Pitch and Hit Club’s board of directors and Honorary Chairman Roland Hemond. Hemond is the former general manager of the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles and has been named Major League Executive of the Year three times.
Recent award winners at the Pitch and Hit Club’s annual dinner include Ozzie Guillen, Jim Hendry, Bo Jackson, Mark Prior and Aaron Rowand among others.
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.
“I’m very honored, especially for this being our first year,” Simmons said. “It took a lot of hard work to get to this, but I certainly can’t take all of the credit. We have a tremendous staff who just worked their tail off this past year, and it makes me look good. Our staff, our sponsors and our fans, they all combined to make this an unbelievable year.”
The Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago is a professional baseball organization that promotes professionals in the game of baseball in the Chicagoland area. The awards are selected by the Pitch and Hit Club’s board of directors and Honorary Chairman Roland Hemond. Hemond is the former general manager of the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles and has been named Major League Executive of the Year three times.
Recent award winners at the Pitch and Hit Club’s annual dinner include Ozzie Guillen, Jim Hendry, Bo Jackson, Mark Prior and Aaron Rowand among others.
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.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Miners' new schedule reveals divisional shift
By Justin Walker, Marion Daily Republican
MARION — The release of the Southern Illinois Miners' newest schedule ever came with some interesting pieces of information.
The Miners will begin their second season of Frontier League play Wednesday, May 21, in Sauget to begin a three-game series with the Gateway Grizzlies. The home opener is Saturday, May 24, against the Evansville Otters.
What is newsworthy besides the release of the schedule itself is that the Frontier League has become a two-division league, like it was prior to the 2007 season when Southern Illinois and Slippery Rock were added as expansion teams. Last season, teams competed in either the West, East or Central divisions.
The Miners are still in the West Division along with Gateway, River City and Evansville, but have been joined by Windy City and Rockford from the former Central division. Kalamazoo and Traverse City are now members of the East along with Washington, Chillicothe, Florence and the Midwest Sliders.
Yes, the Midwest Sliders.
Although no formal announcement has been made, the Slippery Rock franchise will become a travel-only team this season, Miners manager Mike Pinto confirmed.
Windy City is the Frontier League's defending champion, having knocked off Washington in the championship series. Washington eliminated West division champion Gateway in the division series, while Windy City took out Wild Card winner Rockford to advance.
Pinto said the adjustment to a two-division format — with two division champions joined by two teams with the best remaining records — presents the same challenge as last year to get to the postseason.
"The truth is, you still have to win a lot of games to get in," Pinto said.
The major difference is that the Miners will only have to face teams such as Gateway and River City 12 times instead of 18 like last year. Teams from the West will play six games against East clubs, three at home and three on the road, Sliders excluded.
The Miners opened their inaugural season with six straight road games as construction of Rent One Park was being completed. They also spent spring training at Marion High School's Crisp Sports Complex and John A. Logan College out of necessity.
Having a chance to spend spring training at Rent One Park will be a major plus entering the second season, Pinto said.
"I like having the entire spring training there," Pinto said. "Last year, we were at different places and had to cart equipment from place to place and it was a lot harder than we let on. Everyone was great to help us out, but it wasn't easy."
Pinto was informed that "holiday pack" ticket sales for Miners games have been brisk and said the announcement of new players are coming soon. The addition of utility man Brandon Jones was made earlier this week.
Unlike last season when virtually every future Miner was anonymous, fans already know much of what next year's team will look like. Everyday players such as Tim Dorn, Mike Scanzano, Kevin Koski and Eric Suttle are expected to return, as well as pitchers Travis Hope, Nick Tisone and Chris Little, to name a few.
Deals for new additions are in the works, Pinto said.
And as May approaches, fans now have a schedule to behold as anticipation increases.
"We're at the point where it can't come soon enough," Pinto said.
MARION — The release of the Southern Illinois Miners' newest schedule ever came with some interesting pieces of information.
The Miners will begin their second season of Frontier League play Wednesday, May 21, in Sauget to begin a three-game series with the Gateway Grizzlies. The home opener is Saturday, May 24, against the Evansville Otters.
What is newsworthy besides the release of the schedule itself is that the Frontier League has become a two-division league, like it was prior to the 2007 season when Southern Illinois and Slippery Rock were added as expansion teams. Last season, teams competed in either the West, East or Central divisions.
The Miners are still in the West Division along with Gateway, River City and Evansville, but have been joined by Windy City and Rockford from the former Central division. Kalamazoo and Traverse City are now members of the East along with Washington, Chillicothe, Florence and the Midwest Sliders.
Yes, the Midwest Sliders.
Although no formal announcement has been made, the Slippery Rock franchise will become a travel-only team this season, Miners manager Mike Pinto confirmed.
Windy City is the Frontier League's defending champion, having knocked off Washington in the championship series. Washington eliminated West division champion Gateway in the division series, while Windy City took out Wild Card winner Rockford to advance.
Pinto said the adjustment to a two-division format — with two division champions joined by two teams with the best remaining records — presents the same challenge as last year to get to the postseason.
"The truth is, you still have to win a lot of games to get in," Pinto said.
The major difference is that the Miners will only have to face teams such as Gateway and River City 12 times instead of 18 like last year. Teams from the West will play six games against East clubs, three at home and three on the road, Sliders excluded.
The Miners opened their inaugural season with six straight road games as construction of Rent One Park was being completed. They also spent spring training at Marion High School's Crisp Sports Complex and John A. Logan College out of necessity.
Having a chance to spend spring training at Rent One Park will be a major plus entering the second season, Pinto said.
"I like having the entire spring training there," Pinto said. "Last year, we were at different places and had to cart equipment from place to place and it was a lot harder than we let on. Everyone was great to help us out, but it wasn't easy."
Pinto was informed that "holiday pack" ticket sales for Miners games have been brisk and said the announcement of new players are coming soon. The addition of utility man Brandon Jones was made earlier this week.
Unlike last season when virtually every future Miner was anonymous, fans already know much of what next year's team will look like. Everyday players such as Tim Dorn, Mike Scanzano, Kevin Koski and Eric Suttle are expected to return, as well as pitchers Travis Hope, Nick Tisone and Chris Little, to name a few.
Deals for new additions are in the works, Pinto said.
And as May approaches, fans now have a schedule to behold as anticipation increases.
"We're at the point where it can't come soon enough," Pinto said.
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