With spring training opening today at Standard Bank Stadium, the Windy City ThunderBolts added some experience to their pitching staff with the signing of ex-Chicago White Sox minor-leaguer Tyson Corley.
Corley joins the Bolts after having spent six seasons in the White Sox minor league system. He was selected in the 13th round of the 2006 draft out of South Mountain Community College. He also spent time at the University of Kansas.
The 26-year-old right-hander struggled at the start of his pro career, posting a 5.35 ERA in 35 games of Rookie Ball. Starting in 2008, though, he skyrocketed through the Sox’ system, advancing three levels in just over two years time.
He was most impressive in 2009, when he appeared in 47 games combined between Class A Kannapolis and high-A Winston-Salem. Overall, he went 3-2 with a 1.53 ERA, striking out 52 and walking only 14. In 2010, his success continued in Winston-Salem, where he again had a sub-2.00 ERA. This earned him a promotion to Double-A Birmingham and, for one game, to Triple-A Charlotte.
Corley put in a full season’s work in the upper levels of the minors in 2011. Though his rapid ascent slowed somewhat, he still put up solid numbers in Charlotte, appearing in 16 games and winning four of them to just two losses. He had a respectable 4.34 ERA. After 203 career minor league games, his career ERA stands at 3.76.
Upon signing with Windy City, Corley becomes the second ThunderBolt on the active roster with Double-A experience. He is the only one to have reached as high as Triple-A and the first since Josh Womack, who appeared in 11 games last season.
The Windy City ThunderBolts open their 14th Frontier League season on Thursday, May 17th vs. Joliet at Standard Bank Stadium with a special one-game homestand featuring $1.25 beer and post-game fireworks! Single game tickets, season tickets, flex plans, fundraisers, and group outing opportunities are available NOW! Call 708-489-BALL or check out wcthunderbolts.com for more information!
