FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                              Media Contact: Jon Versteeg
May 1, 2009                                                                                            815-774-2881

                                                                        jversteeg@jackhammerbaseball.com

 

JACKHAMMERS BEGIN SPRING TRAINING

 

JOLIET-The Joliet JackHammers 2009 Spring Training Camp opened this morning with players going through light stretching and conditioning drills. JackHammers position players took infield practice and participated in batting practice on the first day of camp. The JackHammers 2009 home schedule opens Friday, May 15, at 7:05 p.m. against the Schaumburg Flyers at Silver Cross Field in Joliet City Center.

 

“I am excited about our team this year,” said Manager Wally Backman. “I think we can do some great things with the ball club and compete for a playoff spot.”

The JackHammers have 28 players in camp and start their spring training schedule of games on Tuesday, May 5 when they host Gary at home. The JackHammers head to Rockford on Thursday, May 7 to battle the Rockford RiverHawks of the Frontier League before playing a home-and-home series against Windy City of the Frontier League beginning Saturday, May 9 at Silver Cross Field and ending on Sunday, May 10 in Crestwood at Standard Bank Stadium. A trip to Schaumburg follows on Monday, May 11 and the exhibition season ends with the JackHammers traveling to River City of the Frontier League on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 to play a series against the River City Rascals.

 

JackHammers fans will get an opportunity to see Silver Cross Field on Tuesday, May 12, at 6:05 p.m. when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Illinois State RedBirds play a regular season game.  Tickets are currently on sale for this event.

Loose Gravel: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim purchased the contract of RHP Taylor Wilding on April 30. The Alta Loma, California resident returns to professional baseball after spending four years in the Giants organization. He has a career 3.67 ERA in 136 professional appearances and has logged 26 saves, including 11 saves at High A San Jose in 2008.

 

The JackHammers currently have full season seats, mini-plan packages, various group outings, affordable marketing opportunities and individual game tickets available for the 2009 season.  To invest, or for more information, please contact them TODAY at 815.726.2255 (BALL), visit their website (www.jackhammerbaseball.com) or stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours.

 

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