WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced Monday that Jose Amado will take over as Hitting Coach for the 2010 season.
A .308 hitter in over 4,500 career at bats, Amado (pronounced uh-MAH-doh) brings 14 years of professional baseball experience to the Wingnuts, including three in the Mexican League and two at the Double-A level. The San Cristobal, Venezuela native demonstrated terrific plate discipline throughout his career, drawing 421 walks while striking out just 281 times with a career on-base percentage of .373.
Amado batted .290 or better in nine of his 14 professional seasons, and finished at .333 or better in four of them. His best season came in 2006 when he split time with the Northern League's Joliet Jackhammers and the Mexican League's Cordoba Cafeteros where he hit .355 with 23 home runs and 99 RBIs, all career-bests. Amado totaled more base hits (1,387) than games played (1,220) in his career.
The 34-year old Amado owns the distinction of playing for two different teams in Wichita, helping the Wranglers to the 1999 Texas League Championship and then playing for the Wingnuts during their inaugural season in 2008.
The Wingnuts expect to announce several player new signings for the 2010 season in the coming weeks.
The Wingnuts open the 2010 season on the road, taking on the St. Paul Saints May 13th-15th at Midway Stadium. Wichita's home opener is May 18th versus Sioux Falls. Season tickets and packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS.
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