FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: Jon Versteeg
June 18, 2008 860-309-9293 cell

jversteeg@jackhammerbaseball.com

NEW YORK YANKEES PURCHASE CONTRACT OF SHETRONE

Former JackHammers Closer to Report to Short-Season A Staten Island of the New York-Penn. League

JOLIET, IL-The Joliet JackHammers have sold the contract of RHP Drew Shetrone to the New York Yankees. He becomes the first JackHammers player to have his contract purchased during the 2008 season. At the time of his departure, he was 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 13 games and was tied for second in the Northern League with 6 saves.

“I recommended him to the Yankees,” said JackHammers manager Wally Backman. “I had him last year (in South Georgia). He did not blow a save for me all of last season. He can really help them.”

Originally a 33^rd round selection of the Colorado Rockies in 2006 out of Cumberland University (TN), Shetrone began his professional career in Rookie ball at Casper (WY) of the Pioneer League. He was 2-2 with a 1.08 ERA in 22 appearances.

Shetrone split 2007 between South Georgia and Macon of the South Coast League. The Apopka, FL native led the South Coast League with 12 saves as a member of the Peanuts squad that won the inaugural South Coast League title.

Loose Gravel: Shetrone becomes the first JackHammer since Dennis Blackmon, Jr. (2006-2007) to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization. The Boston Red Sox purchased Blackmon Jr’s contract in October, 2007. Blackmon, Jr. is currently playing for Lancaster (High A) of the California League.

The JackHammers currently have partial-season seats, mini-plan packages, group outings and individual tickets on sale. To invest in tickets, or for more information, please contact the JackHammers Ticket Department TODAY at 815.726.2255 (BALL), stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours or visit the JackHammers website at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.

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