RiverHawks sign two
March 1, 2007 - Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - The Rockford RiverHawks have signed two foreign players to 2007 contracts.
The team announced today that it has re-signed Canadian pitcher Ryan Brnardic and signed Japanese outfielder Fumimasa Ishibashi.
Brnardic was 0-1 with no saves and a 6.52 ERA in 18 relief appearances for the RiverHawks last season. The 25-year-old right-hander, drafted by Baltimore in the 31st round four years ago, still has rookie status in the Frontier League. Brnardic has averaged nearly a strikeout an inning in his career, but has walked more than he has struck out in each of the last two seasons.
"Brnardic is a guy that has a great arm," RiverHawks director of baseball operations Dave Ciarrachi said. "He just has to throw strikes. There's a chance that with his arm, he can help us."
Switch-hitting Ishibashi, 23, is a resident of Gunma, Japan and has 1-Year status in the Frontier League. His sole professional experience came two years ago in the independent Golden League, where he saw action almost exclusively as a catcher. Ishibashi hit .197 with no home runs and 15 RBI in 67 games for the traveling Japan Samurai Bears.
The RiverHawks are the Western Division champions of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. The RiverHawks begin their sixth season on May 23 at Windy City. The home opener is 7:05 p.m. May 25, when the RiverHawks host Windy City. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Frontier League Stories from March 1, 2007
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- "Super Joe" Charboneau Hired As Paints' Hitting Coach - Chillicothe Paints
- Sliders Announce California Tryout - Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti
- Wild Things Read Across America - Washington Wild Things
- RiverHawks sign two - Rockford RiverHawks
- Grizzlies to play host to three major Division I matchups - Gateway Grizzlies
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