WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts filled their 22-man roster today, signing rookie pitcher David Cross.
Cross joins the Wingnuts from Virginia Tech University, where he went 1-2 with a 2.89 ERA in 2007. The previous season Cross started 14 games, winning three.
Cross will be in the lineup tonight when the Wingnuts take on the Pensacola Pelicans at 6:35 p.m. in Florida. The Wingnuts, 1-1 in the second half of the season, return home on Monday to face the Sioux Falls Canaries, starting a seven-game homestand. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - Thursday night the Wingnuts won a 5-2 decision over the Pensacola Pelicans at Pelican Park. Brad Davis pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out four.
Dustan Mohr got Wichita on the board with a bases loaded two-run single in the top of the third inning. Steve Pearson followed with an RBI hit to open a 3-0 lead. Pearson added an RBI double in the top of the eight inning to add insurance, giving Wichita a 4-2 advantage.
Amad Stephens pitched a scoreless eighth, while Byron Embry pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 11th save.
The Wingnuts travel west and open a three-game series against the South Division's first half champs, the Fort Worth Cats, on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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WICHITA, KS - Friday night the Fort Worth Cats defeated the Wichita Wingnuts by a final score of 9-3 at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, TX. Ed Montague and Bryan Fryer each hit homeruns to lead the offensive attack for the Cats.
Richard Salazar allowed five runs in five innings of work in his first loss as a starting pitcher this season. Rookie David Cross made his professional debut in the bottom of the sixth, not allowing an earned run. Fellow rookie David Rider pitched two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth to help save the bullpen.
Blake Gailen, Michael Thompson, and Steve Pearson drove in the three Wichita runs. Pearson now has 31 RBI in his last 31 games played.
Game two of the series will be Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Wichita sends Justin Young to the mound for the first time in the second half. The Cats counter with lefty Ryan Riddle.
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WICHITA, KS - Saturday night the Wichita Wingnuts fell 8-7 to the Fort Worth Cats. Fort was lead offensively by three homeruns, including Ed Montague's second in as many nights.
Wichita jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first, but Jake Gautreau's three-run homerun in the bottom half of of Justin Young tied the game. Fort Worth took their first lead in an errant pickoff throw in the bottom of the third and never trailed again.
Trailing by four late, the Wingnuts chipped away. Brenan Herrera's RBI double lead a two-run top of the seventh to get Wichita within two. Kevin Hooper hit an RBI groundout in the eighth to cut the deficit to one, but Cats' closer Jon Hunton pitched a perfect ninth to earn the save.
The series finale is set for Sunday night at 7:05 p.m. Wichita sends Leonard Landeros to the mound against the Cats' Joel Kirsten.
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WICHITA, KS - Sunday night the Wichita Wingnuts salvaged the finale of their three game series with the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field. Wichita earned a 3-1 win, scratching the winning runs out in the top of the ninth.
Kevin Hooper drew a bases loaded walk to break a 1-1 tie against reliever Matt Reilly. Brenan Herrera then followed with a sacrifice fly to provide an insurance run.
Closer Byron Embry took the ball in the ninth and allowed the first two hitters to reach base, before leaving with an injury. Kevin Cheppenko came out of the bullpen and saved the game, retiring all three hitters to face him. There was drama before the final out, when Cats' shortstop Nelson Teilon hit a deep flyball over the fence but just foul down the left field line. Cheppenko came back three pitches later to get Teilon to flyout to left to end the game.
The Wingnuts return home Monday night to open a four-game series with the first half champion Sioux Falls Canaries. First pitch at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Gustavo Mata will oppose the Canaries' Ben Moore.
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WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts are proud to announce that three members of their organization will represent the American Association this month in the league's third annual All-Star Game. Shortstop Kevin Hooper, second baseman Brenan Herrera, and third baseman Michael Thompson will play for the North Division, comprised of players from the Wingnuts, Lincoln Saltdogs, St. Paul Saints, Sioux City Explorers, and Sioux Falls Canaries. Hooper and Herrera were voted into the starting lineup by the league's field managers and media. Thompson was selected as a reserve by Saints' manager George Tsamis, who will lead the North Division squad.
Hooper, a 10th year pro from Lawrence, KS, currently ranks second in the league in batting at .364, third in stolen bases with 17, and fourth in on-base percentage at .428. On May 28th, Hooper collected his 1,000th career base hit with an infield single against Sioux Falls. The former Shocker had a 13-game hitting streak from May 25th through June 7th in which he went 20-58 (.345). Hooper is 58 for his last 148 (.392) since May 24th, and has anchored an infield defense that leads the league with 64 double plays.
Herrera, a native of Lawton Oklahoma, ranks sixth in batting at .338. A former Oklahoma Sooner, Herrera has hit safely in 42 of his 50 games played this season, while collecting 19 multi-hit games. Herrera has excelled in the clutch, batting .358 in 53 at bats with runners in scoring position, and .429 in 21 at bats with runners in scoring position and two outs. In May, Herrera had hitting streaks of both eight and nine games.
Thompson, originally from Covina, CA, leads the American Association with 30 extra-base hits. He also ranks first with 22 doubles, fourth in slugging percentage at .554, and eighth in batting at .326. Thompson was an All-Star in the Midwest League in 2007 while playing for the Burlington Bees in the Kansas City Royals organization. Thompson reached base in 30 consecutive games with a hit or walk to begin the year. He is the only remaining Wingnut to appear in all 53 games this season.
Each club received two votes, one per manager and one per media representative, to determine the starters. Tsamis and Fort Worth Cats' manager Chad Tredaway chose the reserves for their respective squads. The Saints and Cats faced each other in last year's American Association Championship Series. The rest of the league's All-Stars can be found in a press release at the league's website www.americanassociationbaseball.com
Wichita returns home for the first time in the second half with a four-game series vs. the Canaries beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m.
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WICHITA, KS- The Sioux Falls Canaries touched Wingnuts starter Gustavo Mata for six early runs, en route to a 13-1 victory on Monday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Beau Torbert led the Canaries, going 4-5 and hitting for the cycle. Torbert also stole a base and drove in five runs. Tim Hutting also hit his third home run of the season for Sioux Falls.
Chris Colton knocked in Michael Thompson in the sixth inning for Wichita's lone run. The Wingnuts and Canaries will battle again Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. on Shiner Bock Beer for a Buck Night. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts spilt a doubleheader with the Sioux Falls Canaries on Wednesday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Sioux Falls won the first game 2-1 thanks to a two-run home run by Grant Richardson in the sixth inning. Richardson's blast ruined a solid performance by Wingnuts' starter Brad Davis and made a winner out of Canaries' starter Ryan Ford.
In game two, the Wingnuts jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, en route to a 5-2 victory. Wingnuts' starter Richard Salazar was phenomenal going six strong innings. Byron Embry pitched the seventh inning for his 12th save of the season. Dustan Mohr racked up four hits on the night for Wichita.
The Wingnuts and the Canaries, both 4-5, will wrap up their series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts manager Kash Beauchamp has been suspended four (4) games for his actions in Wednesday night’s game against Sioux Falls, the American Association office announced today.
Beauchamp (pronounced BEE-chum) was ejected in the second inning of the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, an eventual 5-2 Wingnuts win. Beauchamp, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, will be eligible to return to the field on Tuesday, July 15th when the Wingnuts open a three-game series in Fort Worth.
The Wingnuts, 4-5 and one game out of first place in the North Division, will host the Canaries again tonight at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Sioux Falls Canaries knocked Wingnuts starter Justin Young out of the game with a five-run first inning and then hung on for a 6-5 win on Thursday night in front of a raucous crowd at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts slowly chipped away at the lead, thanks to a home run by Felipe Del Rosario and two RBI's from Dustan Mohr, as the Nuts' bullpen held the Canaries at bay. Kevin Cheppenko pitched six tremendous innings of relief for Wichita allowing just one run.
Unfortunately, Sioux Falls bullpen was even more impressive allowing no runs and just two hits in 4 2/3 innings. Reliever Kelly Casares picked up the victory, while Kris Regas notched his 19th save. The Wingnuts will host the Lincoln Saltdogs on Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts field manager Kash Beauchamp will be interviewed on Inside Edition tonight, Friday at 6:30 p.m. The program can be viewed locally on KWCH TV-12.
The Wingnuts' manager will discuss his actions following his ejection from the Wingnuts' 5-2 win vs. the Sioux Falls Canaries on Wednesday evening.
As a result of the incident, Beauchamp (pronounced BEE-chum) and the Wingnuts announced today that they will hold a charity auction of Beauchamp's uniform for Southwest Christian Care in Atlanta, GA. Southwest Christian Care serves terminally ill patients and special needs children. Its services are provided to patients and their families at no cost.
Items to be auctioned off include the uniform jersey, hat and turf shoes worn by Beauchamp during his ejection. Video of the incident was played throughout the day Thursday on national television, including ESPN's Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption.
The Wingnuts will continue their current seven-game home stand tonight at 7:05 p.m. when they open a three-game series versus the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have been in the National spotlight all week, appearing on ESPN, Fox News, CNN, The Today Show and Inside Edition, among others.
With all the media attention, Wingnuts merchandise is going fast, with purchases coming from Wichita to Missouri to Pennsylvania, all the way to the Netherlands! Check out our merchandise gallery today (www.wichitawingnuts.com/album/32) and get yourself a Wingnuts hat, t-shirt, jersey or your very own "Nutless" (a Necklace made with a Wingnut).
Be sure to check back here on Monday as well as we auction off manager Kash Beauchamp's game-worn Jersey, Hat and Cleats from his ejection on Wednesday Night. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Southwest Christian Care in Atlanta, GA. For more information call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Dustan Mohr and Brenan Herrera hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, breaking a 9-9 tie, as the Wingnuts defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs 11-9 on Friday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts built early leads of 6-1 and 8-3 but could not hold them, as the Saltdogs tied the game at 8-8 in the sixth, thanks to a three-run home run by Shawn McGill. The Wingnuts took a 9-8 lead in the bottom of the inning, but the Saltdogs tied things again in the eighth before Wichita's heroics. Mohr led the Wingnuts, going 4-5 with two home runs and a franchise-record six RBI's.
Amad Stephens picked up the win, while Byron Embry recorded his 13th save. The Wingnuts and Saltdogs will do battle again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Lincoln starter Jarrett Gardner pitched a masterpiece, leading the Saltdogs to a 5-0 victory on Saturday Night in front of 4,540 fans at a cold and windy Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Gardner pitched a complete game, allowing just six hits and no walks, while throwing 75 strikes and 100 total pitches. The Saltdogs blew open a scoreless game with four runs in the fifth inning as they batted around off Wingnuts' starter Gustavo Mata. The Wingnuts had just six singles on the evening.
The two teams will close out their series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. and a large crowd is expected. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts and Saltdogs combined for 15 runs in the first five innings and none after that, but it was Lincoln that came away with the 8-7 win in front of 5,519 fans at Lawrence Dumont Stadium on Sunday.
The Saltdogs scored six runs off Wingnuts starter Brad Davis, led by Shea McFeely, who knocked in three. Brenan Herrera and Bernie Dennis had two RBI's each for the Wingnuts.
Wichita will start a three-game series at the Fort Worth Cats on Tuesday before returning home to host the Sioux City Explorers on Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - Tuesday night the Wichita Wingnuts took the first game of a three-game series against the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field in Texas by a final score of 5-3.
Richard Salazar improved to 4-1 as a starting pitcher, tossing 7.1 IP and allowing just one earned run. The lefty struck out a season-high six batters.
Michael Thompson went 3-4 with two RBI to lead the Wichita offense. Thompson hit his league-leading 24th double and 32nd extra-bast hit.
The Wingnuts also became the first team to defeat Cats' starter Lee Gwaltney, who had been a perfect 7-0 heading into the start.
Wichita and Fort Worth play game two of the series Wednesday evening at 7:05 p.m. Dave Rider will make his first start of the season and will be opposed by Fort Worth's Dan Grybash
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WICHITA, KS - Wednesday night the Wichita Wingnuts fell 10-2 to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field. Felipe Del Rosario hit a two-run homerun, but the Cats scored four in the fourth and three more in the sixth to break the game open.
Dave Rider made his first start of 2008, allowing six runs, four earned, in 3.1 IP. Jake Gautreau and Nelson Teilon had two RBI apiece. Cats' starter Dan Grybash retired the final ten hitters to face him after Del Rosario's fourth inning homerun. Grybash struck out nine.
The two teams will play a rubber match of the series Thursday night. Wichita sends left hander Leonard Landeros to the mound. Fort Worth counters with lefty Joel Kirsten. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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WICHITA, KS - Thursday night the Wichita Wingnuts pitched their first shutout in team history, beating the Fort Worth Cats 1-0 in 11 innings at LaGrave Field.
Wingnuts' starter Leonard Landeros pitched seven shutout innings, while striking out five. His opponent Joel Kirsten was perfect into the seventh, before Blake Gailen hit a one-out single off of the third base bag.
Wichita scored the winning run in the top of the 11th when Bernie Dennis plated Michael Thompson with a slow roller up the third base line that was bobbled by Cats' reliever Jon Hunton. Thompson doubled to leadoff the inning.
Amad Stephens, Kevin Cheppenko, and Byron Embry pitched four scoreless innings out of the pen to make the lone run stand up. Cheppenko earned his first win of the season, while Embry notched his 15th save.
The Wingnuts return home Friday for a three-game series against the Sioux City Explorers. Gustavo Mata will be on the mound for Wichita. First pitch at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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WICHITA, KS- In perhaps the wildest game in the brief Wingnuts history, Wichita pulled off an amazing 11th inning, 8-7, comeback victory over the Sioux City Explorers on Friday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Stephen Pearson was the star of the night inadvertently knocking in the first seven Wichita runs, before Felipe Del Rosario singled home the game-winner in the bottom of the 11th.
Pearson homered in his first two at bats, doubled home a run and knocked in a run with a fielder's choice. After the Explorers took the lead in the top of the ninth, Pearson doubled in the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the inning.
The Explorers scored two runs on a Derek Schermerhorn double in the top of the 11th. In the bottom of the inning Pearson came up with two men on and pitcher Tony O'Donnell threw Pearson's sacrifice bunt into right field allowing the tying runs to score. After two intentional walks, Felipe Del Rosario singled to give Wichita the win.
The Explorers and Wingnuts will meet again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - Wednesday night the Wichita Wingnuts dropped a 3-1 decision to the Pensacola Pelicans at Pelican Park. Gustavo Mata kept Wichita in the game, allowing three earned runs in 6.1 IP, but was outdueled by right hander Clegg Snipes. Snipes allowed one run in 7.2 IP while striking out seven.
Chris Colton briefly tied the game at one with a solo homerun to right in the top of the sixth. It was the center fielder's fifth homerun of the year.
Pensacola scored single runs in both the sixth and seventh to retake the lead.
The rubber match of the series will be Thursday night. Two left handers will take the mound, with Wichita's Brad Davis opposing Pensacola's Zac Cline for the series win. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
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WICHITA, KS- The Sioux City Explorers nipped the Wichita Wingnuts 2-1 on Saturday Night in front of 4,488 fans at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Explorers scored a run in the first on a wild pitch and a run in the third on a bases loaded walk, but that was enough as six Sioux City pitchers combined on a six-hitter. Kevin Cheppenko and David Rider combined to allow just six hits for the Wingnuts. Michael Thompson knocked in the lone Wichita run with a home run in the seventh inning, his seventh of the season.
The Explorers and Wingnuts will wrap up their three-game series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts missed out on two golden chances in the late innings and Alex Llanos hit a two-run homer in the top of the tenth, leading the Sioux City Explorers to a 3-2 victory on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Former Wingnut Derek Schermerhorn saved the game for the Explorers with a diving stop in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the winning run on third. The Wingnuts had second and third with no outs in the bottom of the tenth but ran themselves out of the inning.
The Wingnuts, who hit the All-Star Break 3 1/2 games behind the Lincoln Saltdogs, will return to action on Wednesday at the St. Paul Saints. Wichita returns home next Sunday to host Sioux City at 4:05 p.m. For tickets or more information call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made a handful player transactions today, placing outfielder Dustan Mohr on the seven-day disabled list, releasing RHP Kevin Foeman, and signing outfielder Bub Bergstrom and RHP Asher Demme.
Mohr will undergo precautionary surgery on his thyroid this weekend and will be eligible to return to the lineup on Monday July 28th vs. Sioux City. Mohr had also been slowed by a calf strain suffered during last week's series at Fort Worth.
Bergstrom, whose given name is Branden, led the United League in walks in 2007 with 82 and finished second in stolen bases with 37. The Seattle, WA native started 2008 with the Harlingen Whitewings of the United League, hitting .266 in 44 games, while drawing 31 walks. Bergstrom had a career on-base percentage of .406 coming into this season.
Demme (pronounced DEEM), a 6th round draft pick by the Braves in 2003, will join Wichita's bullpen having sat out the 2007 season. The Alexandria, VA native last played in 2006 for the Rome Braves in the South Atlantic League. He has a career ERA of 4.90 in 163.2 IP, while striking out 108. Foeman appeared in three games for Wichita, posting a 3.86 ERA.
Wichita returns to action Wednesday night, opening a four-game series at St. Paul. First pitch at Midway Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wichita will have three representatives in Tuesday's All-Star Game, also in St. Paul, with shortstop Kevin Hooper and second baseman Brenan Herrera starting. Third baseman Michael Thompson will be the reserve infielder. The Wingnuts return home on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. to host Sioux City. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - The Wingnuts made a significant addition to their roster on Wednesday with the signing of veteran slugger Vic Davilla.
A 26th round pick by the Blue Jays in 1993, Davilla has spent more than a decade in independent baseball. Since the 2000 season, the New York, NY native has posted a .322 average in over 2,400 at bats. During that stretch he has also averaged 36 doubles, 21 homeruns, and 121 RBI per 162 games.
Davilla played most recently in the Can-Am League, where he split time with Brockton and New Jersey this past month. Davilla will be available for tonight's series opener against St. Paul, and will help ease the loss of Dustan Mohr to the disabled list. To make room for Davilla, the Wingnuts released DH Jose Amado. Amado hit .238 in 28 games for the Wingnuts.
Wichita returns home Sunday at 4:05 p.m. to open a three-game series with Sioux City. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - The Wingnuts fell 4-2 to the St. Paul Saints on Wednesday evening, dropping their third game in a row.
St. Paul scored the first run of the game in the fourth on a Marcel Longmire sacrfice fly, and then broke things open with a three-run bottom of the seventh. Saints' second baseman Tony Mansolino hit a two-run homerun off of David Cross to open a 4-0 lead.
The Wingnuts battled back in the top of the eighth, getting two-out RBI hits from Brenan Herrera and Vic Davilla, but St. Paul closer Tony Pierce came out of the bullpen to earn a four-out save.
Wichita continues their four-game series tomorrow night with RHP Gustavo Mata on the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
The Wingnuts return home on Sunday July 27th at 4:05 p.m., opening a three-game series with Sioux City. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - Saturday night the Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers by a final score of 9-7 at Lewis and Clark Park. The Wingnuts faced deficits of 4-0 and 5-1, but utilized a four-run sixth inning to take their first lead.
Steve Pearson hit a two-run double to tie the game at five, while Jose Amado followed with an RBI single to put Wichita on top 6-5. After the X's tied the game in the bottom of the sixth, Wichita regained the lead on Michael Thompson's three-run homerun in the top of the seventh.
Eight of Wichita's nine starters had at least one base hit, while six of the nine had at least two. Brenan Herrera went 4-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
Doug Hurn retired all four batters to face him to earn his fourth win. Byron Embry picked up his 10th save, holding the lead in the bottom of the ninth.
With the Saints' loss earlier in the afternoon, the Wingnuts clinched sole possession of second place in the North Division's first half with a record of 26-21.
The second half begins Tuesday July 1st in Pensacola, FL when the Wingnuts open their only series of the year against the Pelicans.
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WICHITA, KS - Tuesday night the Wichita Wingnuts kicked off their second half of 2008 with a 12-6 win over the Pensacola Pelicans at Pelican Park in Florida.
Dustan Mohr returned to the Wingnuts lineup and drove in four runs, including a two-run homerun in the top of the fifth. Steve Pearson extended his hitting streak to nine games with a two-run homerun in the top of the ninth.
Michael Thompson drove in three and now has 21 RBI in his last 22 games.
Leonard Landeros pitched five-plus innings, allowing three earned runs, to pick up his fifth win of the season.
Wichita and Pensacola continue their series Wednesday night with a 6:35p.m. first pitch. Gustavo Mata will start for the Wingnuts against Pensacola's Clegg Snipes.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts inched a little closer to first place with an 8-3 win over the El Paso Diablos on Friday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts jumped on the board in the first inning thanks to a leadoff triple by Kevin Hooper and an RBI from Blake Gailen. The Nuts then blew open a 4-1 game with a four-run sixth inning.
Seven different Wingnuts scored runs tonight, led by Hooper, who went 3-5 with a triple, a stolen base and an RBI. Richard Salazar - making his first start of the season - picked up his first victory, allowing just five hits and one run in six solid innings of work, while walking none. Newcomer Kevin Cheppenko picked up the save, working the final three innings.
Wichita's win, coupled with Sioux Falls' loss, moves Wichita within 2.5 games of the first place Canaries. Wichita and El Paso will battle again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and a large crowd is expected. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts dropped a tough 4-3 decision to the El Paso Diablos, but it was not a total loss as a record crowd of 8,225 fans packed Lawrence Dumont Stadium tonight.
Without an available starter, reliever Doug Hurn got the nod and took a 1-0 lead into the sixth. The bullpen, however; allowed three runs in the inning and one more in the eighth for the difference. Wichita put up single runs in the eighth and then in the ninth on a solo home run by Chris Colton.
The crowd was the largest at L-D Stadium since a 1998 NBC game between the El Dorado Broncos and the Nevada Griffons. Wichita and El Paso will close out their series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Following the game two teams from the Vintage Baseball League will play a game using rules from the 1860's. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Diablos jumped out to a 3-0 lead, en route to a 5-2 victory over the Wingnuts on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Byron Smith led the way for El Paso with three hits, including a three-run home run. Kevin Hooper went 3-5 for Wichita. Jusef Frias took the victory, Justin Young suffered the loss and Mike Cervera recorded his fourth save of the season.
The Wingnuts will begin their final home stand of the first half tomorrow when they host the Shreveport Sports at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made a handful of roster moves today, as they gear up for the second half of the season.
The Wingnuts added outfielder Leivi Ventura (pronounced LEV-ee), re-signed designated hitter Jose Amado and released outfielder Heath Keel. The Wingnuts also placed infielder David Gates on the disabled list.
Ventura joins the Wingnuts from St. Lucie - the New York Mets Florida State League Team - where he hit .226 with seven home runs in 47 games. Amado, a former Wichita Wrangler as well, is in his second stint with the Wingnuts this season. He was released due to injury, but is now healthy again. He hit .238 in his first stint with the Wingnuts.
The Wingnuts have five games left on their first half schedule. They begin their final home stand of the half tonight at 7:05 p.m. versus the Shreveport Sports. For tickets or more information, please call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts offense exploded in record fashion tonight, taking a 16-2 victory over the Shreveport Sports at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Leading 4-0 in the sixth, Wichita sent 15 batters to the plate, scoring 12 runs. Blake Gailen started the inning with a two-run double and finished it with a three-run homer.
Nine Wingnuts players scored tonight and Chris Colton (4-4) reached base all five times he came to the plate. Newcomer Leivi Ventura reached base four times and scored twice.
Leonard Landeros pitched 6 2/3 innings to record the victory. The Wingnuts, now 23-20, will host the Sports again tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- A night after allowing 16 runs and 19 hits, the Shreveport Sports held Wichita to just seven hits in a 4-2 victory on Tuesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
A nice crowd of 3,288 fans saw the Wingnuts jump out to a 2-0 lead after three innings, but that would be it for Wichita. Shreveport took the lead on a two-out, bases loaded single in the seventh inning off the bat of Richard Quihuis-Bell.
The two teams will finish out their series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- After going back and forth for six innings, the Wingnuts blew open a tie game with five runs in the seventh, taking a 10-5 victory over the Shreveport Sports in front of 3,351 fans on Wednesday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts sent nine men to the plate in the seventh, racking up five singles. Stephen Pearson went 4-5 for the 'Nuts, while Kevin Hooper went 3-3 with 2 walks and three runs scored. Chris Colton hit his fourth home run of the season, helping make a winner out of reliever Doug Hurn.
The Wingnuts, 24-21, will wrap up the first half of the season with two games at the Sioux City Explorers on Friday and Saturday.
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WICHITA, KS - Friday night the Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers by a score of 4-2 at Lewis and Clark Park.
Richard Salazar earned his second consecutive win, allowing two runs on four hits in 5.1 IP. Salazar struck out a season-high six while walking just one.
Kevin Hooper collected three hits for the second straight game and seventh time this year. Blake Gailen extended his hitting streak to eight games with an RBI single in the top of the ninth.
Byron Embry earned his ninth save of the year after pitching a scoreless ninth.
The Wingnuts' victory, combined with the Saints loss to Sioux Falls means that Wichita can clinch sole possession of second place with a win on Saturday. The contest vs. Sioux City will be Wichita's final game of the first half.
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SIOUX FALLS, SD - Thursday night the Wichita Wingnuts fell back to 3.5 games out of first place, dropping an 8-1 decision to the Sioux Falls Canaries.
Wichita took an early 1-0 lead on a two-out RBI single by Bernie Dennis in the top of the second. The Canaries took a lead they would not relinquish, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third against starter Brad Davis. Paul Smyth hit a two-out RBI single to put Sioux Falls on top. The Birds scored one more in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI triple from Grant Richardson.
Rookie Adam White made his professional debut, getting out a jam in the bottom of the fifth when Richardson hit into a double play with the bases loaded and one out. White continued to impress, hurling a perfect bottom of the seventh.
The Canaries put the game out of reach in the seventh, when Tim Hutting hit a three-run homerun off of White that just cleared the right field fence.
The Wingnuts now have eight games left in the first half, trailing Sioux Falls by 3.5 games. Wichita is also 1.5 games behind the second place St. Paul Saints. Wichita returns home Friday night to host the El Paso Diablos in the first of a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05p.m.
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SIOUX FALLS, SD - Wednesday night the Wichita Wingnuts moved back within 2.5 games of first place with a 5-1 win over the division-leading Sioux Falls Canaries. Gustavo Mata earned his third win of the year, allowing one earned run in eight strong innings. Steve Pearson led the offense hitting two doubles and driving in two runs.
Wichita jumped on the board early, scoring two runs in the top of the first. Brenan Herrera had an RBI double, while Michael Thompson drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Steve Pearson delivered a bases-loaded two-run double in the top of the sixth to break the game open at 4-1.
Wichita has one more game head-to-head with Sioux Falls, as the Wingnuts will try for the series split Thursday evening with Brad Davis on the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), will hold Media Day on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
All Wingnuts players and coaches will be on in hand for interviews and pictures. The media will also get their first look at the 2008 Wingnuts uniforms.
The Wingnuts finalized their opening day roster today, releasing catcher Paul Vargo and placing second baseman Brandon Carter and pitcher Ronnie Ball on the inactive list. The Wingnuts now have 25 players on their roster, with 23 active. All American Association teams must have their roster down to 22 players by May 22nd.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m., when they host the Sioux City Explorers for the first of a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. Plenty of festivities are planned for opening night, including post game fireworks. Dignitaries for the ceremonial first pitch will also arrive to the pitcher’s mound via helicopter and motorcycle.
On Friday all fans can get general admission tickets with their Wichita River Festival Button. The cast of the Bobby Bones Show will be on hand Friday with Amy singing the National Anthem and Bobby Bones throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Bobby Bones is the featured morning show on Channel 96.3 FM.
Individual tickets for all 48 Wingnuts regular season home games are on sale now, ranging from just $10.99 in the lower box or $7.99 for upper chairback, with $1 off for senior citizens, children under 12 and military personnel. General Admission seats are just $5.99 each.
For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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SIOUX FALLS, SD - Tuesday night the Wichita Wingnuts dropped both ends of a double header to the Sioux Falls Canaries, losing 2-0 in game one and 10-2 in the nightcap.
Justin Young pitched a complete game in the losing effort in the first match, allowing two runs in six innings pitched. The Canaries scratched out single runs in the second and fourth innings to back Ryan Ford, who pitched six shutout innings for the win. Canaries' closer Kris Regas pitched a perfect seventh to seal the win.
In game two, Beau Torbert led the way with a pair of two-run homeruns. Sioux Falls starter Ben Moore faced the minimum over the first six, and finished the night with a seven-inning complete game allowing two runs.
Kevin Hooper reached base for the 20th and 21st consecutive games with a single in both games.
Wichita is now 3.5 games back of first place Sioux Falls, who is in sole possession of the top spot in the division after St. Paul's loss to Sioux City.
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WICHITA, KS- The St. Paul Saints snapped Wichita's four-game win streak, taking a 12-4 win over the Wingnuts on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Wingnuts starter Ronnie Ball struggled, going just two-plus innings as the Saints built a 5-0 lead. Wichita pulled within 5-2 in the fourth inning, but the Saints piled up six more runs in the fifth to blow the game open.
The Wingnuts are now 1.5 games behind both the Saints and the Sioux Falls Canaries, but will play an important three-game set in Sioux Falls starting on Tuesday. Wichita will return home on Friday to face the El Paso Diablos, beginning a six-game homestand. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS - Saturday night the Wichita Wingnuts moved within half a game of first place in the North Division with a 5-2 win over the St. Paul Saints at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Brad Davis earned his fourth win of the season, allowing two earned runs in eight strong innings.
Kevin Hooper and Steve Pearson led the offense going a combined 4-7 with three RBI. The win also marked the first time in franchise history that the Wingnuts have won four straight.
The excitement kicked up a notch in the top of the ninth when Byron Embry threw a pitch behind Saints right fielder Kevin Sullivan. After Sullivan started walking to the mound, both benches cleared and a brawl took place behind home plate.
In total, nine ejections were handed out, including Embry, Felipe Del Rosario, Steve Pearson, and Kash Beauchamp. By the time the final out was made, David Gates was catching and Carter McQuigg was playing first base.
With the Canaries loss to the AirHogs on Saturday, the Wingnuts are now 0.5 games back of both St. Paul and Sioux Falls. Wichita will bid for the sweep Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05pm. The Wingnuts send Ronnie Ball to the mound against the Saints' Charlie Ruud.
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WICHITA, KS- Friday night the Wichita Wingnuts defeated the St. Paul Saints 7-5 in the opening game of a three-game series at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The game featured three lead changes, with the Wingnuts scoring the winning runs in the bottom half of the sixth.
Brenan Herrera went 3-4, and hit a two-run homerun off of the scoreboard, his third, in the bottom of the second. Chris Colton tied a club record with three stolen bases, and Steve Pearson extended his hitting streak to six games with an infield single in the second. Pearson also drove home a run with a two-out triple in the fourth.
The Wingnuts are now 1.5 games back of both St. Paul and Sioux Falls, who moved into a first place tie with a win over Grand Prairie. The series continues tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Wichita throws Brad Davis against the Saints' Luis Villarreal.
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WICHITA, KS - Thursday night's game between the Wichita Wingnuts and the Lincoln Saltdogs has been postponed due to inclement weather.
Four innings were completed, with Wichita taking a 4-2 lead. However, play stopped prior to the start of the fifth inning due to lightning, heavy rains, and a tornado warning. Both teams waited close to three hours for a final decision before umpire crew chief Lance Schoenwald made the postponement official.
Wichita was led offensively by Kevin Hooper, who had two hits, and Brenan Herrera, who hit a two-run homerun in the third. All four of Wichita's runs were scored with two outs. Unfortunately for the Wingnuts, since at least four and a half innings were not completed, the game and all of its statistics are voided.
No word has been made as to whether or not the two teams will make up the game. Wichita and Lincoln do not have any scheduled head-to-head games left in the first half. St. Paul had the night off, so the Wingnuts will stay two and a half games out of first at the start of tomorrow's series.
First pitch Friday night is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
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WICHITA, KS- Wichita Pro Sports, the owner and operator of Wichita’s newest baseball franchise, will hold a press conference on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, located at 238 N. Mead.
The press conference will feature the announcement of the official team name and logo for the new American Association of Independent Professional Baseball franchise, as well as the introduction of the team’s ownership group, manager and pitching coach. For more information, please call (316) 264-GOAL.
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WICHITA, KS- Wichita Pro Sports introduced the newest member of their family today, the Wichita Wingnuts, who begin their first season in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball (AA) this May.
Wingnuts was chosen from over 200 entries submitted during The Wichita Eagle’s name-the-team contest as well as input submitted from numerous leaders of the business community.
“It has been a long process, but a thorough one”, said President of Wichita Pro Sports Chris Presson. “In the end we wanted a unique name and a look that would suggest fun, while still maintaining a tie-in to Wichita’s great history of aviation.”
The logo, unveiled at today’s press conference at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, was designed by Associated Advertising. It features a sinister baseball hiding behind the words “Wingnuts” and wearing a wingnut for a baseball cap. The team colors are red, silver and black.
Wichitan Hank Haneberg came up with the winning selection. He will receive a pair of season tickets to the 2008 Wingnuts season as well as Wingnuts merchandise. He will also receive season tickets to Wichita Pro Sports other two entities, the Wichita Thunder and the 2008 National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series.
The Wingnuts proudly introduced Kash Beauchamp as their first field manager. Beauchamp (pronounced BEE-chum) brings 25 years of pro experience to the club, including 10 at the Independent level.
Drafted first overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1982 January draft, Beauchamp played 12 years of minor league baseball. During his playing career, he was a three-time all-star and in 1984 was voted the “Best Defensive Outfielder” and the “Outfielder with the Best Arm” by Baseball America. In 1993, while playing with the Northern League’s Rochester Aces, Beauchamp became the first Independent League player ever signed by a Major League Team (Cincinnati Reds).
Upon his retirement, Beauchamp served as a batting instructor with the Montreal Expos organization for three years. He took his first managerial job in 1998 with the New Jersey Jackals, leading the team to the Northeast League Title. After two more seasons with the Jackals, Beauchamp managed the Northern League’s Lincoln Saltdogs in 2001 and Adirondack Lumberjacks in 2002. Kash and the Lumberjacks moved to Bangor for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He managed the AA’s Pensacola Pelicans in 2006.
Most recently, Beauchamp served as director of scouting and vice president of baseball operations for the South Coast League. His all-time record as manager stands at 339-324.
“We are thrilled to name Kash as our first field manager”, said Wingnuts general manager of baseball operations Josh Robertson. “He has a great resume and has built tremendous relationships throughout his 25-year baseball career, essential to helping him assemble our inaugural team.”
Beauchamp will be assisted by Pitching Coach Luke Robertson. A 27th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1999 amateur draft (824th overall), Robertson was a standout at Butler County College and then Kansas State University, where he compiled a combined record of 14-14. Robertson played three seasons in the Oakland A’s farm system, compiling a 12-12 record before injuries forced his retirement in 2005.
The Wingnuts formally introduced their ownership group today, led by Horn Chen. Chen has solely owned the Wichita Thunder since the franchise began Central Hockey League (CHL) play in the inaugural 1992 season. Steve Ruud, owner of the 46-year-old concrete company, R.A. Ruud and Son, Inc., spearheads the local ownership group. He is joined by Nick Easter, co-owner of NCRI, Dan Waller, vice president of Conco Construction and Gary Austerman, a partner in the law firm, Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman and Zuercher, L.L.C.
The newest members of the Wingnuts ownership team are Detroit Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson, Josh Robertson and Chris Presson. Nate, Josh and Luke Robertson are all brothers.
The American Association (AA), originally started in 1902 - and reformed in 1969 - began its current stint in October, 2005. Based in Durham, North Carolina, the Independent League fields 10 teams; including the Fort Worth Cats, El Paso Diablos, Lincoln Saltdogs and the well-known St. Paul Saints. The 96-game schedule, which runs from May thru August, will be released next week.
The Wingnuts replace the Wichita Wranglers, who relocated to Springdale, Arkansas following the 2007 Texas League season. The Wranglers had played in Wichita since 1989. They were preceded by the Wichita Pilots (1987-88), the AA’s Wichita Aeros (1970-84), the AA’s Wichita Braves (1956-58) and the Wichita Indians (1950-55).
The NBC World Series will play its 74th season from August 1-15, 2008. The NBC has been played at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium since 1935, when founder Raymond “Hap’ Dumont offered Satchel Paige, considered the greatest pitcher of the day, $1,000 to bring his touring team from Bismarck, North Dakota. Paige struck out 60 batters and won four games, as his Corwin-Churchill team beat Duncan, Oklahoma, 5-2 in the finals.
The Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action this weekend with a pair of games versus the Tulsa Oilers. Following a road game on Friday, the Thunder will host Tulsa on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com. Both sites were designed by 360wichita.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts inched closer to first place in the North Division, blasting the Lincoln Saltdogs 10-3 on Wednesday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in front of a crowd of 3,351 fans.
The Wingnuts put three runs on the board in the second inning and added five runs in the third to blow the game open. Chris Colton knocked in three and finished a home run shy of the cycle, Kevin Hooper went 3-4 and Heath Keel continued his assualt going 2-3 with three runs, including a home run.
Justin Young pitched six innings to move his record to 3-0. The Wingnuts, now 18-14, pulled to within 2 1/2 games of the St. Paul Saints. Wichita and Lincoln will finish their series Thursday at 7:05 p.m., before the Saints come in for a three-game series this weekend. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Heath Keel hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, keying a five-run inning, as the Wingnuts came back to defeat the Lincoln Saltdogs 8-5 on Tuesday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Keel finished the night 3-4 - a double shy of the cycle - with a stolen base, four RBI's and two runs scored. Blake Gailen added two hits and two RBI's for Wichita.
Doug Hurn earned the victory in relief as Wichita moved their record to 17-14 and pulled within three games of first place St. Paul. The two teams will do battle again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added experience and power to the lineup tonight, signing former Wichita Wrangler Jose Amado.
A 33-year-old veteran infielder out of San Cristobal, Venezuela, Amado played for the Wichita Wranglers in 1999 and 2000. He hit .290 in 1999 with a career-high 13 home runs and 93 runs batted in. Amado duplicated those power numbers and batted .339 in 2004 with Bridgeport of the Atlantic League. He spent last season in the Mexican League and has hit over .300 in each of his last five seasons.
Over his minor league career, he is a .299 hitter with 68 home runs and 509 RBI's. Amado will be in the Wingnuts lineup on Friday when they battle the first place St. Paul Saints. To make room for Amado, the Wingnuts released Geoff Wagner.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), will open training camp on their inaugural season Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
As permitted by league rules, manager Kash Beauchamp has 28 players in camp vying for 22 roster spots, though teams may carry two additional players for the first two weeks of the season. The Wingnuts will practice at 9:00 a.m. every morning thru May 1st. Practices are open to the public.
The Wingnuts will play three road games, beginning on Friday, May 2nd at 7:05 p.m. versus the Lincoln Saltdogs in Beatrice, Nebraska. After the game the Wingnuts will head to Kansas City on Saturday, where they will face the Northern League’s Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks at 2:05 p.m. Wichita will wrap up the weekend taking on the Northern League’s Kansas City T-Bones on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in Kansas City.
The Wingnuts roster is highlighted by former WSU Shocker and Detroit Tiger Kevin Hooper, as well as former WSU standout Derek Schermerhorn and seven-year MLB veteran outfielder Dustan Mohr. Other players to watch include pitcher Brad Davis, infielder Mike Thompson and outfielders Chris Colton and David Gates.
Individual tickets for all Wingnuts regular season home games are on sale now, ranging from just $10.99 in the lower box or $7.99 for upper chairback, with $1 off for senior citizens, children under 12 and military personnel. General Admission seats are just $5.99 each.
Group ticket packages start as low as $4 per person. The Wingnuts also offer Miller Light Party Deck packages, suite rentals, field passes and pre-game picnics, perfect for your church, company or family outing. Picnic packages start at just $15 per person, ranging to $32 per person for an all you can eat and drink event.
The Wingnuts will play 48 home games between May and August, highlighted by 10 Fireworks Nights and Wichita River Festival Night on Friday, May 9th, in which all fans get free general admission tickets with their River Fest button. For the 74th straight year Lawrence Dumont Stadium will host the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series from August 1-15.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud members of the American Association of Professional Baseball, released their schedule today for the 2008 season.
Wichita’s newest baseball franchise will begin their first season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The American Association features (AA) a 96-game schedule, broken into two halves. The Wingnuts will play in the North Division, along with Sioux City, the Sioux Falls Canaries, Lincoln Saltdogs and St. Paul Saints. The winner of each half will meet in a best-of-five first round series, unless the same team wins both halves. Then, the team with the second best overall record will also advance to the playoffs. The North and South Division winners will meet in the best-of-five AA Finals.
The Wingnuts will play the other nine AA teams for at least one three-game series, though they will not host the Pensacola Pelicans or the Grande Prairie AirHogs, nor will they face the Shreveport Sports on the road.
Wichita’s longest home stand of the season will be seven games, however, the Wingnuts will play away from Lawrence Dumont Stadium, during a 13-game road trip over the first 16 days of August. The 74th anniversary of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series will take place at Lawrence Dumont from August 1-15.
13 of the Wingnuts 48 home games will be played on either Friday or Saturday, with another seven games coming on Sunday. The Wingnuts will play on the road for the 4th of July, but will host a special NBC play-in game and fireworks show on that night.
Other key promotions this season will include the Birth of the Nickel Night on May 9th, Pop-up Toaster Night on May 27th and Sandpaper Night on June 14th. The Wingnuts will wrap up the regular season with a three-game home stand versus Lincoln from August 21-23, which is the same weekend in 1560 that Tyco Brahe decided he wanted to be an astronomer.
Tickets for all Wingnuts home games, as well as all NBC World Series games range from $5.99-$10.99, with discounts for all seniors, children 12 and under and military personnel. Season tickets are also on sale now, ranging from just $30 for a five-game pack to just $475 for a full season package.
The Wingnuts introduced manager Kash Beauchamp (BEE-chum) and pitching coach Luke Robertson at a press conference last Friday. The Wingnuts formally introduced their ownership group last Friday as well, which features Detroit Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Wichita Pro Sports office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com. Wichita Pro Sports other entity, the Wichita Thunder, returns to action on Saturday at the first place Rocky Mountain Rage. The Thunder returns home next Friday and Saturday, November 23rd and 24th to host Mississippi and Oklahoma City.
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Sioux Falls, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts game at the Sioux Falls Canaries was postponed due to rain on Thursday. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on June 17th. The Wingnuts will begin at three-game series at the first place St. Paul Saints on Friday at 7:05 p.m.
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Sioux Falls, SD- After taking 10 innings to score a single run last night, it took the Wingnuts just two batters tonight, but that was it as Wichita fell 5-1 at the Sioux Falls Canaries.
Wichita's lone run came on a leadoff triple by Kevin Hooper, followed by an RBI ground out by Blake Gailen. The Wingnuts recorded just three more hits after that. Despite the lack of offense, the Wingnuts held a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the sixth inning. Starter Brad Davis suffered the loss, allowing just two runs in 6 2/3 innings. Sioux Falls added three runs in the eighth. Wingnuts Manager Kash Beauchamp was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the seventh inning.
The two teams will meet again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m., the second game of Wichita's six-game road trip. The Wingnuts will return home next Tuesday to start a six-game home stand. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made a handful of roster moves as they begin a six-game road trip tonight at 7:05 p.m. with the Sioux Falls Canaries.
The Wingnuts traded infielder Derek Schermerhorn to the Sioux City Explorers in exchange for outfielder/designated hitter Geoff Wagner. Wagner played just five games with the Explorers, picking up his first hit last night, but hit .304 last season with 10 home runs for St. George of the Gold Coast League. Schermerhorn was hitting .186 with the Wingnuts.
The Wingnuts also released pitcher Alejandro Martinez today and added infielder Carter McQuigg. McQuigg, who played college baseball at Oral Roberts, finished last season with the American Association’s St. Joe Blacksnakes. Both Wagner and McQuigg will be in the Wingnuts lineup tonight.
The Wingnuts, 15-10 and two games behind the first place St. Paul Saints, will return home next Tuesday to begin a six-game homestand with the Lincoln Saltdogs and St. Paul. For tickets or more information, please call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts broke open a 1-1 game with three runs in the fifth, cruising to a 5-1 win over the Sioux City Explorers on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Chris Colton led the attack with three hits and three runs, while Stephen Pearson knocked in a pair. Demetri White (1-3) picked up the victory in relief.
The Wingnuts and Explorers will conclude their four-game series on Monday at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts, now 15-9, remain 1.5 games behind first place St. Paul. For tickets or more information call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts were held scoreless until the 10th inning, but their one run was not enough, as they fell 3-1 to Sioux City on Monday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Explorers' starter Alexander Francisco pitched nine scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, to run his record to 5-0. The Explorers scored three runs in the top of the 10th off Doug Hurn (0-1), the Wingnuts fifth pitcher of the night.
The Wingnuts had first and third with two outs in the bottom of the 10th before closer Brett Reid struck out Derek Schermerhorn to end the threat. The Wingnuts, now two games behind the first place St. Paul Saints, begin a six-game road trip on Tuesday at Sioux Falls.
The Wingnuts will return home next Tuesday to begin a six-game homestand. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts jumped out to a 3-0 lead and hung on, defeating the Sioux City Explorers 3-2 on Friday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts got tremendous starting pitching for the second straight night, as winner Justin Young (2-0) allowed just five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Byron Embry allowed two runs in the ninth, but picked up his seventh save of the season. It was the first runs allowed by Embry this season.
The Wingnuts scored a run in the second and then put two more on the board in the seventh on RBI's from Stephen Pearson and Felipe Del Rosario.
The Wingnuts, now 14-8 and just 1/2 game behind first place St. Paul, will battle the Explorers again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts suffered their first ever shutout, 6-0 to the Sioux City Explorers on Saturday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Explorers scored one in the first and added four in the second, thanks to a three-run double by Juan Camacho. The Wingnuts were unable to get the clutch hit, stranding seven runners in the first five innings.
Nick Singleton pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just five hits for Sioux City. The two teams will meet again on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. Gustavo Mata will get the start for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts fell behind 5-0, but could not come all the way back, falling 7-4 to the Sioux Falls Canaries on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Canaries scored four runs in the third inning, knocking out Wingnuts starter Demetri White. The Wingnuts put two on the board in the fourth and got back-to-back home runs from Michael Thompson and David Gates in the fifth, cutting the score to 5-4.
Sioux Falls added two runs in the seventh to seal the game. The two teams will wrap up their series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- Brad Davis pitched a complete game, leading the Wingnuts to a 5-1 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Thursday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Davis stymied the Canaries, allowing just three hits, no walks and striking out seven. The only blemish was a ninth inning home run by Beau Torbert. Davis also had six assists.
The Wingnuts were aided by six Canaries' errors, four by starting pitcher Travis Kane. Catcher Felipe Del Rosario scored in the third and fifth, while the 'Nuts added three runs in the seventh to take the series.
The Wingnuts, now 13-8 overall and 8-2 at home, will start a four-game series with the Sioux City Explorers on Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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LINCOLN NE- The Wichita Wingnuts withstood a torrential downpour and a 90-minute rain delay to defeat the Saltdogs 5-3 on Sunday Night.
Blake Gailen - an outfielder and emergency pitcher - came into the game to pitch after the rain delay with two men on and one out in a 2-2 game. Gailen promptly picked off a man and did so again the next inning. Gailen gave up a home run in the sixth and that was it in 4 1/3 innings of work as he earned the victory.
The Wingnuts took the lead for good in the top of the eighth on a Michael Thompson double and added an insurance run with a solo home run in the ninth by Heath Keel. Byron Embry pitched a quick ninth for his sixth save.
The Wingnuts, now 11-7 and just a 1/2 game out of first place, return home on Tuesday to host the Sioux Falls Canaries, starting a seven-game homestand. For tickets call (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced today that the Colorado Rockies have acquired outfielder Dustan Mohr.
A 12th-year pro and seven-year Major League veteran, Mohr will be making his second stint with the Rockies when he reports to their AAA affiliate the Colorado Springs Sky Sox today.
Mohr split the 2005 season, his best as a pro, between Colorado and Colorado Springs, hitting 17 home runs that season with the Rockies. Mohr, who has 504 games of MLB experience, played seven games last season with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Mohr was hitting .209 with the Wingnuts this season and ranked second on the team with 13 runs batted in. The Wingnuts expect to fill Mohr’s spot on their 22-man roster today.
The Wingnuts, 11-7 and just a ½ game out of first place in the North Division, start a seven-game home stand tonight at 7:05 p.m. versus the Sioux Falls Canaries. Gustavo Mata gets the start for Wichita. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts blasted the Sioux Falls Canaries 8-1 on Tuesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts exploded for six runs on six hits in the third inning, sending 11 men to the plate. David Gates knocked in two of the runs with a single and then later stole home. Catcher Felipe Del Rosario added a two-run homer in the sixth.
Starter Gustavo Mata allowed a first inning run and that was it, going seven innings for his second win of the season.
The Wingnuts and Canaries will continue their series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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The Heavy Metal Music based local TV show "Heavy Pork" recorded an episode of their show at the Wichita Wingnuts doubleheader versus the Sioux City Explorers on Friday, May 9th.
That episode will air this Saturday night around Midnight on KSAS Fox-24 or Cox Communications Channel 4. Be sure to tune in!
You can check out more information about Heavy Pork HERE.
ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts throttled the St. Paul Saints 12-2 on Friday Night, pulling to within 1.5 games of first place.
Michael Thompson led the way for Wichita, going 3-4 with his fifth home run of the season and four RBI's, as Wichita scored in five of the first six innings. Stephen Pearson and Chris Colton both went 2-4 with a home run and combined to knock in six runs.
Leonard Landeros moved his record to 3-1, allowing just one run and four hits in seven strong innings. Doug Hurn and Byron Embry each pitched an inning to close things out.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m and Sunday at 1:05 p.m., before Wichita returns home on Tuesday to begin a six-game homestand. For tickets or more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Saltdogs 6-3 in Lincoln on Friday night, snapping the Saltdogs' seven-game winning streak.
Brad David allowed just two earned runs in six innings and Gustavo Mata, Amad Stephens and Byron Embry each provided a scoreless inning of relief. Both Stephens and Embry - who now leads the league with five saves - have yet to allow a run this season. The Wingnuts were aided by five Lincoln errors and Blake Gailen hit his first home run of the season. Kevin Hooper scored three runs for Wichita.
With tonight's loss by St. Paul, the Wingnuts - now 10-6 - trail the Saints by just a 1/2 game for first place in the North Division. The Wingnuts and Saltdogs will battle again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. in Lincoln. There will not be a radio broadcast.
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LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts dropped a 4-3 decision in 12 innings at the Lincoln Saltdogs on Saturday.
Wichita out hit Lincoln 12-5, but could not get the go ahead run despite having first and second with nobody out in the top of the 12th. Newcomer Alejandro Martinez suffered the loss for the Wingnuts.
Wichita and Lincoln, who are now tied for second in the North Division just 1/2 game behind the Saint Paul Saints, will wrap up their three-game series at 6:05 p.m. on Sunday. Leonard Landeros will take the hill for Wichita.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced today that manager Kash Beauchamp has been suspended by the American Association for two additional games, following his ejection on Saturday Night at St. Paul.
Beauchamp was suspended for Sunday’s series finale at St. Paul and will miss Wichita’s home games tonight and tomorrow versus the Lincoln Saltdogs, the first two games of a six-game home stand. Pitching coach Luke Robertson and hitting coach Chris Mileham will run the team in Beauchamp’s absence.
The Wingnuts also announced today that Wichita Thunder veteran Jason Duda will join the team as a part-time batting practice pitcher and bullpen catcher. Duda will be in uniform this evening. For tickets or more information, please call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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KANSAS CITY, KS– The Wichita Wingnuts picked up their first win of the exhibition season, defeating the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks 3-2 at Community America Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.
Four Wichita pitchers held the Redhawks to just three hits over nine innings. Starter Brad Davis retired the first nine batters to face him, before allowing two earned runs in the bottom of the fourth. Winning pitcher Justin Young tossed three innings in relief of Davis, allowing no runs and striking out five. Dan Caldwell and Clint Smith each chipped in scoreless frames as well.
The Wingnuts overcame the two-run deficit, scoring one in the fifth and two in the sixth. Brandon McConnell’s sacrifice fly in the fifth cut the Fargo lead to 2-1. Then in the top of the sixth, a throwing error by Fargo third baseman Jose Valdez on a Felipe Del Rosario groundball allowed Heath Keel to score the tying run. On the very next pitch, Derek Schermerhorn singled up the middle to plate Del Rosario and give the Wingnuts the lead.
Smith faced trouble in the ninth, allowing the first two to reach base. But the Austin, TX native recovered to earn the save, retiring the next three hitters.
Wichita has one more exhibition contest, a 5:05PM start vs. the Kansas City T-Bones tomorrow evening. It will be the final tune up for the Wingnuts before returning home for their home opener on Wednesday night. Wichita currently has 26 players on its roster and must reduce it to 22 by their first game.
Opening night is now just four days away. Tickets are still available for the May 7th opener vs. Sioux City. For tickets call 264-GOAL.
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KANSAS CITY, KS- The Wichtia Wingnuts dropped their final game of the spring, 13-11 to the Kansas City T-Bones on Sunday evening at Community America Ballpark. Kevin Hooper led off the game with a home run off T-Bones’ starter Keny Durost’s second pitch. But a four-run bottom of the inning against Wingnuts’ starter Blake Gailen gave Kansas City a lead that they would never relinquish.
Wichita actually trailed by as many as seven runs in the nine-inning contest, but were never able to fully comeback. Brenan Herrera’s two-run home run in the top of the sixth contributed to a three-run rally that got Wichita within four at 10-6, but the T-Bones scored two more in the bottom of the inning.
Wichita rallied again in the top of the seventh, scoring four runs to get within two. First baseman Jim Fasano booted a ground ball with the bases loaded to score two of the runs. David Gates was then hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to cut the lead to three. With the bases loaded, Michael Thompson drove a ball to deep left center that T-Bones’ left fielder Brad Correll seemed to have misjudged, but Correll recovered and made a reaching grab to take an extra-base hit away from Thompson - limiting him to a sacrifice fly. Heath Keel took a called third strike to end the inning.
Trailing by three going into the top of the ninth, the Wingnuts tried to come back again. After the first two outs were recorded by pitcher David Haehnel, the Wingnuts found themselves down to their final strike during their next there at bats, but Gailen, Chris Colton and Gates all managed to reach, including Gates reaching on an error by second baseman Rob Watson to score a run and put the tying runs on base. Michael Thompson struck out to end the game, with the play finishing at first base on a dropped third strike.
Overall, the Wingnuts managed 11 runs on just eight hits, taking advantage of five Kansas City errors. Wichita finishes their first ever spring schedule 1-2, and will now begin league play on Wednesday night versus the Sioux City Explorers. Tickets are still available for the May 7th opener. Call (316) 264-GOAL for more information.
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WICHITA, KS- For the third straight night, the Wingnuts allowed a run in the first inning and then shut the door, taking a 4-3 win over the Fort Worth Cats on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Starter Gustavo Mata only lasted two innings, allowing three runs, but Ronnie Ball, Amad Stephens and Byron Embry combined to allow just one hit over the final seven innings. Embry earned his third save in as many nights.
The Wingnuts offense came from a solo home run by Michael Thompson in the fourth and a go-ahead two run shot by Dustan Mohr in the sixth. The Wingnuts, now 9-5, improved to 6-0 at home.
The Wingnuts and Cats will conclude their series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost their first ever home game, falling 11-3 to the Fort Worth Cats on Thursday night.
The Cats scored four runs in the fifth to blow open a 2-1 game. Nelson Teilon and Osiel Flores hit home runs for Fort Worth. The Wingnuts got a home run from Heath Keel.
Wichita still took three out of four games from Fort Worth and remains 1 1/2 games behind the first place St. Paul Saints as they head to Lincoln for a three-game set with the Saltdogs.
The Wingnuts, now 6-1 at home, will return home on Tuesday to begin a seven game homestand. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts got solid starting pitching for the second straight night and defeated the Fort Worth cats 5-1 on Tuesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Leonard Landeros picked up the win allowing just one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings and striking out three. Newcomer Amad Stephens recorded two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings and closer Byron Embry picked up his third save, coming into the game with the bases loaded and striking out both batters he faced.
The WIngnuts offense picked up all five runs courtesy of 10 walks by Fort Worth pitchers. Kevin Hooper knocked in the final run of the evening with an eighth inning double after Derek Schermerhorn walked and stole second with two outs. Michael Thompson went 0-4, ending his hitting streak at 12 innings.
The Wingnuts and Cats will meet again Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Gustavo Mata will start for the Wingnuts. To order tickets call the Wingnuts at (316) 264-4625.
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GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Grande Prairie Airhogs knocked off the Wichita Wingnuts 5-1 on Sunday night in Texas, taking the final two games of the three-game series.
David Gates gave Wichita a short-lived lead with his second home run of the season in the second inning and now has a hit in all 11 games this season. Starter Brad Davis suffered the loss, giving up five runs in five innings.
Prior to the game Wichita traded outfielder Brandon McConnell to Grand Prairie for future considerations. Wichita now has 23 players on their roster and must get down to the American Association's 22-man roster limit by Thursday.
The Wingnuts, now 6-5, return home on Monday - following a 3-5 road trip - to begin a four-game homestand with the Fort Worth Cats. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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Fans, would you like to host a professional baseball player this summer?
If you sign up as a host family for the Wichita Wingnuts, you get season tickets for everyone in your house plus all the benefits that come with being a season ticket holder. You also will receive a free membership to the Wichita Wingnuts Baseball Booster Club!
Please call Terri Ashcroft at 316-522-0000 or visit the Booster Club website at www.freewebs.com/wtbbc for more information.
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud members of the American Association of Professional Baseball, today named Sportsradio 1410 KGSO as their radio home for the 2008 season.
KGSO will carry at least 90 - and as many as 93 - of the 96 Wingnuts games live this season, as well as all 15 days of the National Baseball Congress World Series. The first broadcast will take place on Wednesday, May 7th when the Wingnuts throw out the first pitch of their inaugural season versus the Sioux City Explorers.
KGSO will carry all 5:00 p.m. games of the NBC World Series, as well as four 7:30 p.m. feature games on August 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 10th. Some 10:00 p.m. games may also be carried, depending on the match-up.
“We are thrilled to have an outstanding radio station like KGSO representing our organization”, said Wingnuts general manager Josh Robertson. “KGSO is the top sports station in the area and will do a tremendous job of helping the Wingnuts continue the long standing tradition of baseball in Wichita.”
Throughout the season fans will be able to follow the Wingnuts on the weekly show “The Game Plan” with Chris Allison from 6:00-9:00 a.m. “The Game Plan” will feature promos of upcoming games, news about the team and live guests every Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
Fans can also listen to all Wingnuts/NBC broadcasts via webcast, thru either www.KGSO.com or www.wichitawingnuts.com. All games will feature both a pregame and post game show. Steve Schuster, the voice of the Wichita Thunder, will also handle the play-by-play duties for the Wingnuts.
The American Association (AA) features a 96-game schedule, broken into two halves. The Wingnuts will play in the North Division, along with Sioux City, the Sioux Falls Canaries, Lincoln Saltdogs and St. Paul Saints. The winner of each half will meet in a best-of-five first round series, unless the same team wins both halves. Then, the team with the second best overall record will also advance to the playoffs. The North and South Division winners will meet in the best-of-five AA Finals.
Tickets for all Wingnuts home games, as well as all NBC World Series games, range from $5.99-$10.99, with discounts for all seniors, children 12 and under and military personnel. Season tickets are also on sale now, ranging from $30 for a five-game pack to just $475 for a full season package.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Wichita Pro Sports office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com. Wichita Pro Sports other entity, the Wichita Thunder, returns to action on Friday at the Arizona Sundogs for the fourth game of their season-long six-game road trip. The Thunder returns home next Friday to host the Amarillo Gorillas.
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GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts won their second straight road game, knocking off the fellow expansion team Grand Prairie Airhogs, 4-2 on Friday night.
Pitching was the star for the Wingnuts as Gustavo Mata allowed just two runs in 6 1/3 innings to pick up the victory. Aaron Jenkins recorded the next five outs, while Byron Embry pitched a scoreless ninth to record the save.
Brenan Herrera, who had two hits, knocked in the first run to extend his hitting streak to nine games, while Michael Thompson also extended his streak to nine games. Kevin Hooper knocked in the final run in the ninth.
The Wingnuts will play at Grand Prairie both Saturday and Sunday at 7:05 p.m. before returning home on Monday for a four-game series with the Fort Worth Cats. To order tickets or for more information please cal (316) 264-4625.
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GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Grande Prairie Airhogs took the second game of a three-game series, defeating the Wichita Wingnuts 7-2 on Saturday night in Texas.
Michael Thompson had a home run for the Wingnuts and has now recorded a hit in all 10 games this season. Demetri White suffered the loss for Wichita, allowing seven runs in 2 1/3 innings. Ronnie Ball and Daniel Caldwell pitched 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief for the Wingnuts.
The Wingnuts and Airhogs will conclude their series, in a battle between the American Association's two expansion teams, on Sunday at 7:05 p.m. at Grand Ptairie. The Wingnuts will return home on Monday to begin a four-game homestand with the Fort Worth Cats. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts exploded to a 12-0 lead, eventually winning 12-7 in their series finale at the El Paso Diablos.
Dustan Mohr led the Wingnuts with a grand slam and five runs batted in, while Kevin Hooper added three hits. Pitcher Leonard Landeros didn't allow a hit thru five innings, going 7 1/3 innings for the victory.
Michael Thompson and Brenan Herrera each added a hit tonight and have both recorded a hit in all eight games this season.
The Wingnuts, now 5-3, head to Grand Prairie tomorrow for a three-game series at the Airhogs. Wichita returns home on Monday to begin a four-game series with the defending AA Champion Fort Worth Cats. For tickets or more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts dropped a 5-4 decision at the El Paso Diablos today.
Chris Colton gave Wichita a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning with his first home run of the season, but the Diablos jumped ahead for good in the bottom of the inning with three runs.
The Wingnuts pulled within 3-2, 4-3 and 5-4, but missed a golden opportunity when they loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth and only scored one run. Wingnuts starter Brad Davis suffered the loss.
EL PASO, TX- The Wingnuts jumped out to a 6-2 lead but could not hold it, falling 8-6 at the El Paso Diablos on Wednesday.
Everything looked to be going Wichita's way when they pulled off a triple play in the bottom of the fourth inning to stay within a run. In the top of the fifth the Wingnuts sent 10 men to the plate, scoring five runs.
Starting pitcher Justin Young was pulled after five innings and relievers Dan Caldwell and Aaron Jenkins gave up a five-spot to El Paso in the sixth. The Diablos added a run in the eighth for the victory.
The Wingnuts, now 4-3 will close out their series in El Paso on Thursday at 8:05 p.m. central time, before heading to Grand Prairie in Friday for a three-game series with the Airhogs. The Wingnuts will return home on Monday to start a four-game series with the defending champion Fort Worth Cats. For tickets or more information call (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), hosted their preseason party on Tuesday night at the Broadview Hotel.
Among the guests in attendance were representatives from Total Venue Control, who were on hand to answer questions and introduce their Cashless System to the public for the first time. This season, Lawrence Dumont will be the first stadium in the country to move to a cashless system. Automated registers will be placed at concession stands so people can select what they want, slide their pre-paid card and continue watching the ball game. Fans may also receive a cash refund following each game and the cards are good for two years.
The Wingnuts players and staff were also introduced to the public and complimentary food and drinks were furnished courtesy of Gametime Food and Beverage, the new concessionaire of Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The night kicked off with a welcome introduction from Mayor Carl Brewer.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. Individual tickets for all Wingnuts regular season home games are on sale now, ranging from just $10.99 in the lower box or $7.99 for upper chairback, with $1 off for senior citizens, children under 12 and military personnel. General Admission seats are just $5.99 each.
Group ticket packages start as low as $4 per person. The Wingnuts also offer Miller Light Party Deck packages, suite rentals, field passes and pre-game picnics, perfect for your church, company or family outing. Picnic packages start at just $15 per person, ranging to $32 per person for an all you can eat and drink event.
The Wingnuts will play 48 home games between May and August, highlighted by 10 Fireworks Nights and Wichita River Festival Night on Friday, May 9th, in which all fans get free general admission tickets with their River Fest button. For the 74th straight year Lawrence Dumont Stadium will host the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series from August 1-15. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), announced the signings of six players today, including outfielders David Gates, Chris Colton, Heath Keel and Blake Gailen, as well as pitchers Ryan Ashner and Clint Smith.
A seventh-year pro out of Florence, Alabama and the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Gates is expected to add power to the Wingnuts lineup. A 1998 draft pick of the Boston Red Sox and a 2001 draft choice of the Anaheim Angels, Gates spent most of his last two seasons playing Double-A ball with the Texas League’s Arkansas Travelers. Over his career, Gates is a .252 hitter with 67 home runs and 297 RBI in 509 games.
"David is a power threat every time he comes to the plate. He possesses great strength and bat speed and has the ability to make a pitcher pay for his mistakes with a home run”, said Wingnuts Manager Kash Beauchamp. “He should be a power threat in the middle of the batting order."
A 2001 draft pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Colton split last season with Macon of the South Coast League and High Desert of the California League, where he hit a combined .290 with 11 home runs and drove in 38 in 83 games. Over his six-year career, Colton is a .256 hitter with 54 home runs and 265 RBI in 563 games.
"Chris is a very good all around player. He is a good defensive outfielder who knows how to handle the bat. He does everything well”, said Beauchamp. “He can steal bases and can hit anywhere in the lineup and has the ability to be an excellent leader, which is what you need from your more experienced players."
A second-year pro out of Waco, Texas, Keel joins the Wingnuts from the Anderson Joes of the South Coast League, where he hit .291 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI. Prior to turning pro, Keel played two seasons at Texas State University, where he notched 51 hits, including 24 extra base knocks in 87 games.
"Heath has all the tools. He had a remarkable rookie year last year leading all rookies in the South Coast League with 14 HR”, said Beauchamp. “He is an excellent defensive outfielder with the ability to run down balls a lot of players can't get to. His attitude and makeup is off the charts. He is an exciting player and will be a fan favorite."
Another second-year pro, Gailen also played last season for the Anderson Joes, hitting an impressive .365 in 42 games. The West Hills, California native also pitched in 10 games for Anderson last season, going 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA. Gailen played college baseball at UNLV, hitting .288 with 57 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 100 games.
"Blake is a very unique player in that he can both hit and pitch equally well. He is an extremely smart, heady player. He will be called on to both pitch and play left field”, said Beauchamp. “He is extremely tough on left handed hitters with the ability to change his arm angle. He is also one of the best bunters I have ever coached. Although a rookie, he studies and understands the game like a much older player."
A rookie out of Lenexa, Kansas, Ashner played college ball at Belmont University in Tennessee. In two seasons, mostly as a middle reliever, he had a record of 4-5 with 61 strikeouts in 35 appearances.
"Ryan has a chance to be a utility type pitcher with his versatility. Although not a flamethrower, he has excellent command and control of his pitches with an above average slider that will be tough on right handed hitters, said Beauchamp. “He is smart and knows how to set hitters up and evaluate weaknesses in a batter."
Smith, another rookie, joins the Wingnuts from Concordia College in Austin, Texas, where he played two seasons. Prior to attending college the Tow, Texas native was a standout at Tuscaloosa County High School in Alabama, where he went 8-2 as a senior and earned the school’s top pitcher award.
"Clint’s main weapon is a hard sinker. He is a ground ball pitcher that could come in to a game and get a double play ball with the game on the line”, said Beauchamp. “He has excellent velocity and movement and attacks the hitter in an aggressive way."
The Wingnuts now have 14 players under contract for their inaugural season, which will begin on May 7th with a three-game home stand versus the Sioux City Explorers.
The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action this weekend with a pair of home games on Friday and Saturday versus the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Both games will face-off at 7:05 p.m. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), will play their first ever game tonight, when they face the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. in an exhibition game in Beatrice, Nebraska (weather permitting).
Left handed pitcher Leonard Landeros (pronounced lan-DARE-ose) will get the start tonight. An eighth-year pro out of Exeter, California, Landeros pitched in AAA ball last season with the Oakland A’s organization.
After tonight’s game the Wingnuts will head to Kansas City on Saturday, where they will face the Northern League’s Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks at 2:05 p.m. Wichita will wrap up the weekend taking on the Northern League’s Kansas City T-Bones on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in Kansas City.
The Wingnuts placed pitchers Kellen Raab and Austin Redwine on irrevocable waivers today and now have 26 players vying for 22 roster spots, though teams may carry two additional players for the first two weeks of the season.
The Wingnuts roster is highlighted by former WSU Shocker and Detroit Tiger Kevin Hooper, as well as former WSU standout Derek Schermerhorn and seven-year MLB veteran outfielder Dustan Mohr. Other players to watch include pitcher Brad Davis, infielder Mike Thompson and outfielders Chris Colton and David Gates.
Individual tickets for all Wingnuts regular season home games are on sale now, ranging from just $10.99 in the lower box or $7.99 for upper chairback, with $1 off for senior citizens, children under 12 and military personnel. General Admission seats are just $5.99 each.
Group ticket packages start as low as $4 per person. The Wingnuts also offer Miller Light Party Deck packages, suite rentals, field passes and pre-game picnics, perfect for your church, company or family outing. Picnic packages start at just $15 per person, ranging to $32 per person for an all you can eat and drink event.
The Wingnuts will play 48 home games between May and August, highlighted by 10 Fireworks Nights and Wichita River Festival Night on Friday, May 9th, in which all fans get free general admission tickets with their River Fest button. For the 74th straight year Lawrence Dumont Stadium will host the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series from August 1-15.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), played their first ever game and dropped a 7-2 decision to the Lincoln Saltdogs in a rain shortened game at Beatrice, Nebraska tonight.
The Wingnuts fell behind early, with starting pitcher Leonard Landeros allowing five runs in the first inning. Blake Gailen and Heath Keel were Wichita's offensive stars each going 2-2 with a walk. Gailen also had a home run. The game was called after six innings due to rain.
The Wingnuts will head to Kansas City on Saturday, where they will face the Northern League’s Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks at 2:05 p.m. Wichita will wrap up the weekend taking on the Northern League’s Kansas City T-Bones on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in Kansas City.
Individual tickets for all 48 Wingnuts regular season home games are on sale now, ranging from just $10.99 in the lower box or $7.99 for upper chairback, with $1 off for senior citizens, children under 12 and military personnel. General Admission seats are just $5.99 each.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts split a doubleheader today losing game one 2-1 and winning game two 10-6 at the Sioux City Explorers. The Wingnuts now own the league's best record at 4-1 with an off day on Monday. The Wingnuts resume action at the El Paso Diablos on Tuesday morning.
The Wingnuts also traded infielder Brandon Carter to the Grand Prairie Airhogs for future considerations today and activated pitcher Ronnie Ball.
The Wingnuts return home on Monday, May 19th to host the Fort Worth Cats. For more information or to order tickets please call the Wingnuts ofice at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts swept a doubleheader today over the Sioux City Explorers, winning both games in eight innings.
Former Wichita State star Derek Schermerhorn started the rally in each game - reaching base via a single and a hit by pitch - and scored the winning run each time.
The Wingnuts, now a perfect 3-0, won the first game 4-3, with the game-winning hit coming on a double by Brenan Herrera. Pitcher Dan Caldwell earned the victory.
In the second game it was a sacrifice fly by Blake Gailen that was the difference, making a winner out of Byron Embry, who pitched 2 1/3 innings of relief. The final score of game two was 8-7. A record crowd of 6,779 fans witnessed the sweep.
The Wingnuts now hit the road for a series in Sioux City which starts tomorrow. The Wingnuts return home on Monday, May 19th to host the defending AA Champion Fort Worth Cats.
To order tickets or for more information, please call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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**PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE**
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud members of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday afternoon to announce a major player signing.
The press conference will take place in the Theatre Room of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame at 2:30 p.m. The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is located at 238 E. N. Mead in Old Town. All media and fans are urged to attend.
For more information, please call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), announced the signing today of former Wichita State University Star (WSU) and former Major League infielder Kevin Hooper.
A 10th-year pro out of Lawrence, Kansas, Hooper joins the Wingnuts after spending the last three seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization. Last season, as a member of the AAA Toledo Mud Hens, Hooper hit an impressive .301, with 11 stolen bases. A solid contact hitter, Hooper had an on-base percentage of .348 and struck out just 25 times in 246 at-bats.
Prior to turning pro, Hooper played four seasons at WSU, where he was a two-time All-American and finished with a career batting average of .358. Hooper ranks in the top 10 in Shockers history for runs scored (5th, 287), hits (7th, 315), doubles (7th, 58) and triples (9th, 17). He also had the third highest single-season fielding percentage for a Shockers second baseman, at .978. in 1998.
“Kevin’s achievements and popularity in being one of the most successful Wichita State Shockers is a dynamic that fits perfectly with our idea of making this team truly ‘Wichita's Team’", said Wingnuts manager Kash Beauchamp. “Whether on the field stealing bases, making great play and getting clutch hits; or in the community lending his talent and experience to civic organizations within Wichita, Kevin is the type of player and person that will help make this season a successful venture."
Hooper was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 49th round of the 1998 draft (1421st overall) but remained at WSU for his senior season in 1999, when he recorded career-highs for stolen bases (24), hits (86) and batting average (.402). He was then drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 8th round of the 1999 draft (236th overall).
Hooper, who was introduced to the media at a press conference at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, began his pro career in 1999 with Utica of the Single-A New York-Penn League, hitting .280 in 73 games. Following five more seasons in the Marlins’ organization, Hooper was signed by the New York Yankees on May 26th, 2004. Later that season he was released and claimed by the Kansas City Royals, finishing the season with the AAA Omaha Royals.
Following the 2004 season, Hooper was signed by the Detroit Tigers. He spent most of the season with Toledo and in one game, played an inning at each of the nine positions. Hooper finally made his Major League debut on July 9th, 2005. He appeared in six games with the Tigers that season and recorded his first major league hit off Minnesota Twins pitcher Terry Mulholland. The following season, Hooper appeared in eight games with the Tigers, recording his first major league walk and run scored.
"Kevin is a great addition to the Wingnuts organization”, added Beauchamp. “Not only are we getting a Major League talent on the field, but a player whose experience will allow him to lead and set an example for the younger players, who will undoubtedly look up to him”.
Hooper is now the 22nd player signed by the Wingnuts and is penciled in as the opening day starting shortstop. Other additions to the Wingnuts roster today include pitchers Austin Redwine and Daniel Caldwell, Venezuelan pitchers Jean Granados, Richard Salazar and Gustavo Mata and catcher Felipe Del Rosario. The Wingnuts will begin their inaugural season on May 7th with a three-game home stand versus the Sioux City Explorers.
The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action tonight for a 7:05 p.m. face-off at the Mississippi RiverKings. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
Wichita, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made a huge splash in their debut, both on and off the field. The Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 7-4 in front of a massive crowd of 5,874 fans - just short of the 6,111 capacity.
Rookie Heath Keel led the Wingnuts with three hits, while Mike Thompson and Brenan Herrera chipped in two hits each. Pitcher Brad Davis picked up the win, while Byron Embry recorded the final two outs for his first save.
The Wingnuts and Explorers will meet again on Friday for a doubleheader, beginning at 5:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will face another tough opponent today as they battle the number six seeded Dayton Dragons in the Elite Eight round of CNBC.com’s best minor league baseball logo contest.
Thanks to the time zone difference, Dayton got a head start and is already ahead 72%-28%. Fans can cast their votes here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/23825573/site/14081545. The polls are open until 9:00 a.m. Eastern on Friday.
The contest, which will run through April 1, features 64 teams in a single-elimination bracket decided by online voting. The Wingnuts entered the tournament as a #12 seed and have already defeated the #5 seed Inland Empire 66 convincingly, as well as the #4 seed Savannah Sand Gnats and the #16 seed Trenton Thunder.
Today’s other Elite Eight match up features another #12 seed, the Quad City River Bandits versus the #2 seed Clinton Lumber Kings. The Augusta Green Jackets and the Southern Illinois Miners have already advanced to the Final Four.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts haven’t even played a game yet, but they are already getting noticed, being selected by CNBC.com as one of the 64 best minor league baseball logos in North America.
Starting this week, the website www.cnbc.com is holding a contest to find out which minor league baseball team’s logo is actually the best. The contest, which will run through March 31, features 64 teams in a single-elimination bracket decided by online voting. The Wichita Wingnuts enter the tournament as a number 12 seed, but just being selected is an impressive feat, considering there are 252 minor league baseball teams. Fans can place their votes here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837629/.
Wichita’s newest baseball franchise will begin their first season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action on Friday when they host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7:05 p.m. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), announced a major addition to their lineup today, signing outfielder Dustan Mohr.
An 11-year pro out of the University of Alabama, Mohr joins the Wingnuts after spending all or part of the last seven seasons in the Major Leagues. This past season, Mohr played 58 games with the International League’s Durham Bulls and enjoyed seven games with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, hitting a home run in 16 at-bats.
"The signing of Dustan Mohr is huge for this ball club. To bring a guy in with his Major League experience has many benefits, besides just what he can do in the field”, said Wingnuts manager Kash Beauchamp. “I love the fact that he gives us a legitimate right handed power bat in the middle of the lineup, but he will also bring his knowledge of the game at its highest level - which will certainly help our younger players.”
A ninth round pick (291st overall) of the Cleveland Indians in the 1997 MLB Draft, Mohr began his pro career later that summer with Watertown of the New York-Penn League, hitting .291 in 74 games. Following two more seasons in the Indians system, he was signed by the Minnesota Twins and made is major league debut on August 29th, 2001. Mohr was added to the Twins postseason roster and made a huge impact, going 7-14, as the Twins fell just shy of a trip to the World Series.
Mohr spent the next three seasons in the majors, the last one with the San Francisco Giants in 2004. Over that time he started a majority of those games, picking up 29 home runs and 109 RBI. In 2005 he was signed by the Colorado Rockies, where he hit a career-high 17 home runs in just 98 games. Mohr also played for the Boston Red Sox in 2006.
In 504 career major league games, Mohr hit .249 with 49 home runs and 156 RBI. His career minor league numbers include 86 more home runs, 405 RBI and a .273 batting average. Mohr is no slouch in the field either, recording just 37 errors in 1209 career games. Over the last three seasons, he has made just two errors in 263 games.
“Dustan is determined to get back to the Major Leagues and knows that playing here for the Wingnuts will give him the opportunity to do so”, said Beauchamp.
The Wingnuts also announced that they will hold a press conference on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. to introduce their first mascot. The introduction will be made in the home clubhouse at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Mohr is the 21st player signed by the Wingnuts and is penciled in as the opening day center fielder. The Wingnuts will begin their inaugural season on May 7th with a three-game home stand versus the Sioux City Explorers. The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action on Friday when they host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7:05 p.m. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will face their first test today, as they battle the Inland Empire 66 in the first round of CNBC.com’s best minor league baseball logo contest.
The contest, which will run through March 31, features 64 teams in a single-elimination bracket decided by online voting. The Wichita Wingnuts enter the tournament as a number 12 seed, but just being selected is an impressive feat, considering there are 252 minor league baseball teams. Fans can place their votes here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/23610287.
The Wingnuts will also hold a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. to introduce their first mascot. The introduction will be made in the home clubhouse at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Wichita’s newest baseball franchise will begin their first season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action on Friday when they host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7:05 p.m. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), introduced Spinner the Squirrel as their mascot at a press conference today at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
Spinner, a lifelong Wichita resident and Thunderdog’s best friend, has been a regular at Lawrence Dumont Stadium for many years, although like Big Bird’s friend Snuffleupagus, has rarely been seen. Spinner, the 6’8” rodent, will wear jersey number 00 when he takes the field with the Wingnuts this season.
“Spinner was a no-brainer to be our first mascot”, muttered Thunderdog. “He has been bugging me about it for months and I am confident that he will do a tremendous job of bringing a smile to the face of everyone that comes to a game this season and for seasons to come.”
Wichita’s newest baseball franchise will begin their first season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium, but they are facing their first test today, as they battle the Inland Empire 66 in the first round of CNBC’s best minor league baseball logo contest.
The contest, which will run through March 31, features 64 teams in a single-elimination bracket decided by online voting. The Wichita Wingnuts enter the tournament as a number 12 seed, but just being selected is an impressive feat, considering there are 252 minor league baseball teams. Fans can place their votes here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/23610287.
The Wichita Thunder, meanwhile, returns to action on Friday when they host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7:05 p.m. For more information on baseball or hockey, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our websites www.wichitathunder.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will face their second