Mike Recchia, the 2012 Frontier League’s recipient of the Brian Tollberg Award for “Pitcher of the Year” adds another award to his resume. Recchia was recently named a Baseball America Independent League All-Star. Mike was also named a 2012 Frontier League Post-Season All-Star as a starting pitcher.
Recchia was one of two Frontier League ballplayers to be honored by Baseball America. Lake Erie’s relief pitcher, Jonathan Kuntis was also honored with this award. In addition, former Windy City and River City pitcher, Josh Lowey was named as an all-star by the publication. Lowey currently pitches for the Wichita Wingnuts in the American Association.
Recchia receives his award after setting the Frontier League records this season for shutouts (five) and strikeouts (177). The former record had stood for nine years and the latter eclipsed the mark established by ThunderBolt Dustin Williams just last year. At one point in August, Recchia led the Frontier League in all three Triple Crown categories, wins, ERA and strikeouts. He finshed second on the season in both ERA (2.51) and wins (11) behind Gateway's Tim Brown. Seven times this season, the Crestwood native reached double-digit strikeouts with his high coming on July 2, when he fanned 16 Evansville Otters in a 2-0 win.
Recchia put together one of the most dominant seasons in the league’s 20-year history, leading the league with six complete games. He twice had scoreless streaks reach 26 innings and to go along with his five shutouts, he entered the ninth inning without allowing a run two other times.
The Windy City ThunderBolts open their 15th Frontier League season on Monday, Memorial Day, May 27th vs. the Frontier League Greys featuring a post-game fireworks show! Season tickets, flex plans and group outing opportunities are available now! Call 708-489-BALL or check out wcthunderbolts.com for more information!
