The Windy City ThunderBolts announced that they have sold Mike Recchia’s contract to the Chicago White Sox.
The Crestwood native is the second Windy City pitcher this season to be signed by a Major League organization.
“I’m really happy for Mike,” manager Ron Biga said. “He’s given his heart and soul to this team; he’s from the area, he loves the team, but that’s what we’re here for, to get these guys out of here and back in affiliated ball.”
Recchia started in five games this season with a record of 1-3. However, his win/loss total does not reflect his performance on the mound. The ThunderBolts’ ace was leading the Frontier League with 47 strikeouts. His ERA through five appearances was 3.69, holding opposing hitters to a batting average of .224.
Last season Recchia set a new Frontier League record for strikeouts with 177 and was awarded the Brian Tollberg honor, given to the league’s top pitcher. That year Recchia posted a record of 11-3 and an ERA of 2.51. He also led the league with six shutouts and 150.1 innings pitched.
His accomplishments last year earned Recchia a spot with the Baltimore Orioles organization for spring training.
“Instead of battling 40 guys in spring training, he’s going to have a roster spot [with the White Sox],” Biga said. “He’s going to have this opportunity and I expect him to take care of it to the fullest.”
An Eastern Illinois University graduate, Recchia was first signed by the New York Yankees in 2010. Reaching as high as the Single-A affiliate, Recchia spent two seasons in the Bronx Bombers organization as a relief pitcher.
