WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced the signing of four more players for the 2009 season, with the return of Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Justin Young, and Doug Hurn.
Pearson hit .261 with five homeruns last season, while tying for the team lead in RBIs with 51. The 25-year old Petaluma, CA native primarily played first base, where he excelled defensively. Pearson led all American Association first basemen with a .995 fielding percentage, committing just three errors and helping turn 71 double plays. On May 9th, Pearson hit the first homerun in Wingnuts history, a shot over the right-center field fence that bounced from MacLean Blvd. into the nearby Arkansas River. Pearson carried the Wingnuts' offense during the middle of the season, hitting a torrid .383 from May 27th through July 6th, a stretch that also included 31 RBI in 30 games.
"Steve showed signs last year of what he is capable of doing", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. " He's a solid first baseman and can also play the outfield, making him very valuable. He's going to be very valuable again this year as one of our few left handed bats who will play first, outfield, and designated hitter.
Gailen, who was named the Wingnuts' "Unsung Hero" prior to the final game of the season, hit .266 with three homeruns and 41 RBI. The West Hills, CA native also worked in 13 games on the mound, starting two, and posting a 4.66 ERA in 36.2 IP. On July 25th at St. Paul, Gailen nearly hit for the cycle, collecting a homerun, two doubles, and a single, before getting thrown out at third in his final at-bat, trying to stretch a double into a triple. Gailen led all American Association outfielders with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
"Blake was another very valuable member of our team last year, not only being able to play the outfield, but also take the mound at times", said Hooper. "A two-way guy that always gives you options. A left handed bat in the lineup with some speed that can put pressure on a defense, will also show signs of some good pop for a guy with a little frame."
Young, a 25-year old right handed pitcher, began the season in the Wingnuts' rotation, carrying a 3.26 ERA into late June. The Colorado Springs, CO native experienced a rough patch in the second half, but still finished fifth on the team with 85.1 IP. Young's best moment came on May 19th when he pitched eight innings allowing one run on four hits and striking out six over then-defending champion Fort Worth.
"Justin is a guy that could either start or come out of the pen", said Hooper. He struggled with the strike zone at times, but he is a bulldog out on the mound. I am expecting big things out of him this year whether it be as a starter or a reliever."
Hurn, a true rookie in 2008, made 21 appearances with a 5.45 ERA in 38.0 IP. Used primarily as a reliever, Hurn showed durability, with 11 of his 21 outings lasting for more than one inning. In just his second professional outing, Hurn pitched 5.2 IP of long relief allowing just one run on May 31st versus Sioux City.
"Doug is a rookie with alot of promise", said Hooper. "He wants the ball in his hands all the time and is a good ground ball guy when he keeps the ball down, which is very valuable on the turf."
The quartet of signings join other 2008 returnees Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Brenan Herrera, Richard Salazar, and Brad Davis, as well as newcomers Jeff Reekers, Bill Duffy, Scott Daniels, Zach Goldberg, and Derek Jennings as players under contract for 2009. Several more signings are expected in the next two weeks, including several more returning players and a high-profile signing.
The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder returns to the Kansas Coliseum on Wednesday, February 25th when they host the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Wingnuts/Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.
-Wingnuts-
