THUNDERBOLTS HAWKE HONORED BY BASEBALL AMERICA
Named to Second Team All-Independent Players
Crestwood, IL – The Windy City ThunderBolts professional baseball team, 2007 and 2008 Frontier League Champions, is proud to announce that first baseman Philip Hawke has been named to the All Independent Leagues Second Team by Baseball America.
The 2008 Frontier League Most Valuable Player, Philip Hawke posted the best season of his four-year professional career in 2008, finishing with a .309 batting average, 22 home runs, and 73 RBI. Hawke led Windy City in both on-base percentage (.441, good for third in the Frontier League) and slugging percentage (.548).
Hawke was a Frontier League All-Star for Windy City in 2007, finishing with a .290 batting average, 10 home runs, and 78 RBI, which led the Frontier League. A 29th round draft pick by the Texas Rangers out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Hawke spent two seasons in their organization before signing with the ThunderBolts.
“Phil definitely deserves this recognition,” commented ThunderBolts field manager Mike Kashirsky. “He is a true team leader on and off the field along with being the catalyst to our offense and one of the most feared hitters in the Frontier League.”
Along with Hawke, the Frontier League was also recognized on the All-Independent Leagues Teams with outfielder Angel Molina (Florence Freedom), starting pitcher Ryan Bird (Southern Illinois Miners), relief pitcher Mike Benacka (River City Rascals), and third baseman Kelly Hunt (Florence Freedom).
The Windy City ThunderBolts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 21 at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood. For more information, please visit us online at www.wcthunderbolts.com or contact the ThunderBolts at 708-489-BALL or [email protected] 
