FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: Jon Versteeg
September 5, 2008 860-309-9293 cell

jversteeg@jackhammerbaseball.com

CUBS PURCHASE CONTRACT OF PERKINS

JOLIET, IL-The Chicago Cubs have purchased the contract of JackHammers RHP Vince Perkins. The Labelle, FL resident dominated Northern League hitters with a 3-0 record and a 2.43 ERA in just seven appearances over the final month of the 2008 season.

“This kid really showed that he is ready for another shot with an organization,” said JackHammers manager Wally Backman. “He came highly recommended to me and I am sure he will have nothing but success with the Cubs.”

Originally an 18^th round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000, Perkins quickly established a name for himself in the Jays system. He was a member of their 40-man roster for three years prior to missing the 2006 season to recover from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. His best season came in 2005 when he was a member of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (AA, Eastern League). He went 7-7 with a 4.03 ERA in 24 starts. He logged a career-high 131.2 innings pitched with opponents batting a mere .250 against him.

Perkins is the third JackHammer in 2008 to have his contract purchased, following in the footsteps of Drew Shetrone (New York Yankees) and Freddie Thon (White Sox). Shetrone will finish his season this weekend for the Staten Island Yankees of the short-season A New York-Penn. League. Thon is currently playing in the Southern League playoffs with the AA Birmingham Barons.

Loose Gravel: The JackHammers are pleased to announce that fans holding a Jammer Bobble Belly voucher may redeem their voucher for one bobble belly at the Silver Cross Field Box Office Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The JackHammers are a member of the independent Northern League of Professional Baseball. The team plays a 96 game schedule from mid-May until late August.

###