News release from the TinCaps:
Former TinCaps and Wizards in Major League Baseball
43 Fort Wayne Alumni in the Big Leagues during MLB’s First Half
(July 16, 2015) — Before they were stars, they were in the Fort. Forty-three former Fort Wayne TinCaps and Wizards played in the big leagues during the first half of the 2015 Major League Baseball season. Fort Wayne alums have appeared on the rosters of 21 of MLB’s 30 teams so far this year.
The list includes an original 1993 Wizard, LaTroy Hawkins, who was also the first Fort Wayne player to appear in the majors. At 42, Hawkins is the oldest player in Major League Baseball today, and one of only 16 pitchers to ever appear in 1,000-plus games.
Since Hawkins debuted for the Twins in 1995, 136 others have followed him from Fort Wayne to “The Show.” The number counts six former TinCaps who have broken through to the bigs this season.
“It’s always fun to follow these guys after their time with us in Fort Wayne,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “While the appeal of Parkview Field has a lot to do with what’s going on off the field, on it, there’s a lot of talent.”
This year’s crop of future big-leaguers with the TinCaps enters Thursday night in first place in the Midwest League Eastern Division. The TinCaps host the Lake County Captains (Indians) at 7:05 on Friday. Fireworks will follow both games. Friday is Fairy Tale Princess “Knight” presented by Indiana Donor Network. Tickets are available online at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, or by visiting the Parkview Field Ticket Office.
Former TinCaps and Wizards with MLB Teams in First Half of 2015 Season
- INF Dean Anna (2009-10) – Cardinals
- P Anthony Bass (2009) — Rangers
- OF Mike Baxter (2005-06) – Cubs
- P Brad Brach (2009) – Orioles
- INF/OF Kyle Blanks (2006) – Rangers
- OF Michael Cuddyer (1998) – Mets
- P Jose De Paula (2010) – Yankees
- P Steve Delabar (2006-08) – Blue Jays
- INF Allan Dykstra (2009) – Rays
- INF Cole Figueroa (2009) – Yankees
- INF David Freese (2006) – Angels
- P Ernesto Frieri (2006-07) – Rays
- P Frank Garces (2012) – Padres
- P Brandon Gomes (2007-08) – Rays
- P Trevor Gott (2013) – Angels
- P Nick Greenwood (2009-10) – Cardinals
- INF Jedd Gyorko (2010) – Padres
- P LaTroy Hawkins (1993) – Rockies
- INF Chase Headley (2005) – Yankees
- C Austin Hedges (2012) – Padres
- C Nick Hundley (2005-06) – Rockies
- OF Torii Hunter (1994) – Twins
- P Colt Hynes (2008-09) – Blue Jays
- P Brandon Kintzler (2005) – Brewers
- P Corey Kluber (2008) – Indians
- P Mat Latos (2008-09) – Marlins
- C Jose Lobaton (2005-06) – Nationals
- INF Andy Parrino (2008-09) – Athletics
- P Jake Peavy (2000) – Giants
- P Oliver Perez (2001) – Diamondbacks
- INF Jace Peterson (2012) – Braves
- C A.J. Pierzynski (1995-96) – Braves
- P Kevin Quackenbush (2011) – Padres
- P Cesar Ramos (2005) – Angels
- INF Daniel Robertson (2009) – Angels
- P Joe Ross (2012-13) – Nationals
- INF Eric Sogard (2007) – Athletics
- P Joakim Soria (2006) – Tigers
- INF Cory Spangenberg (2011) – Padres
- P Matt Stites (2012) – Diamondbacks
- P Dale Thayer (2003) – Padres
- OF Will Venable (2006) – Padres
- P Matt Wisler (2012) – Padres
*As of July 16, 2015, 137 former Fort Wayne Wizards and TinCaps have played in the majors.
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