FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: Jon Versteeg
April 16, 2008 815-774-2881
JACKHAMMERS SELECT PITCHER ALTMAN
Right-Hander Drafted in the Northern League Try Out Camp over the Weekend
JOLIET-Joliet JackHammers manager Wally Backman selected RHP Kevin Altman in the 2008 Northern League Try Out camp held last weekend at Stephen Schott Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara (CA) University. Altman played the last five seasons in the Texas Rangers organization primarily as a middle reliever. The JackHammers 2008 home schedule opens on Friday, May 23 at 7:05 p.m. against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Silver Cross Field in
“I saw (Altman) pitch a little when he played with my son,” said Backman, referring to the time Altman spent playing with Wally Backman, Jr. in the Rangers minor league system. “He’s a hard throwing right-hander with a breaking ball, slider and splitter.”
Altman has appeared in 131 career games in the Rangers system, including 34 appearances in each of his last two seasons (Low A Clinton in the Midwest League in 2006 and High A Bakersfield in the California League in 2007).
“We’ve got some serious competition among pitchers when we get to camp,” added Backman.
Loose Gravel: With the addition of Altman, the JackHammers now have 20 players on their roster for the 2008 season. Altman is the 13th pitcher on the JackHammers’ roster. Spring Training begins Thursday, May 1 at Silver Cross Field.
The JackHammers currently have full season seats, mini-plan packages, group outings and individual tickets available for the 2008 season. To purchase tickets, or for more information, give the JackHammers Ticket Department a call at (815) 726-BALL (2255), stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours or visit the JackHammers website at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
(PLEASE CREDIT FRANK DOMINGO/BAKERSFIELD BLAZE WHEN PUBLISHING ALTMAN’S PHOTO)