Crestwood, IL – The Windy City ThunderBolts have added a veteran bat to the lineup with the signing of infielder Wes Long. The Oakland Athletics drafted Long in 2004 and he spent three seasons in the A’s farm system.
The Auburn, AL resident debuted with Oakland’s Rookie-level team in 2004 and hit .345 with 17 doubles, 35 RBI, and 45 runs scored in 54 games. Long led the Arizona League in doubles, was second in hits and on-base percentage, and finished third in average and extra-base hits. He wrapped up the year with three games at Class A Vancouver.
Long split time at Class A Kane County, Vancouver, and the Rookie-level Athletics in 2005. He hit a combined .259 in 58 games with the three clubs.
Last year, Long spent the entire season at Kane County. He saw action as an infielder, outfielder, and designated hitter. Long hit .194 with 31 runs scored and 39 walks in 2006.
The ThunderBolts have 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.
