Crestwood, IL – Windy City ThunderBolts manager Andy Haines is already busy putting together his roster and has signed infielders Rob Marconi and Josh Horn for the 2007 season.
Marconi was acquired in a trade this offseason with the Northern League’s Schaumburg Flyers. The ThunderBolts sent outfielder Kevin House to Schaumburg in return. In 2006, Marconi played for Class A Delmarva and Class A Aberdeen in the Baltimore Orioles organization before joining the Flyers in July. The right-hander is a career .244 hitter and set career highs in home runs and RBI last season.
“I really think he can be a premium type player in the Frontier League. His approach to the game is outstanding and he plays the game the right way,” Haines said.
Marconi has primarily played second and third base in his career. He was drafted by the Orioles in 2004 and debuted at Aberdeen that year.
The ThunderBolts have also signed rookie Josh Horn. The Shelbyville, TN native will make his professional debut after two seasons at Middle Tennessee State University. The versatile infielder started all 55 games during his senior season for the Blue Raiders and hit .330 with six home runs, 15 doubles, 41 runs scored, and 37 RBI.
“He is a well above average defender and swung the bat well in a premier conference this past spring. His make-up and his ability are exactly what we are targeting for our 2007 club,” Haines said.
Haines was an assistant coach at Middle Tennesse State in 2005 during Horn’s first season at the school. Horn also played for two years at Columbia State CC.
The ThunderBolts have also released the team’s 2007 schedule and will host the Rockford RiverHawks for Opening Night on May 23, 2007. The complete schedule can be found at www.WCThunderBolts.com.
For information about 2007 season tickets, group outings, skybox suites, and marketing opportunities, please call 708-489-2255. The Windy City ThunderBolts are a member of the 12-team Frontier League, an independent league with teams in the Midwest.
