Whittleman Receives Dual Accolades

Clinton, IA - In what has to be the greatest day in John Whittleman's young professional career, the Clinton LumberKings' third-baseman has received two different awards for his outstanding play over the past week and beyond. The Texas Rangers announced Monday afternoon that Whittleman, their second-round pick in 2005, was named their Minor League Offensive Player of the Month for April. Following that award, the Midwest League named him the Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending May 7th.

Whittleman earned the Rangers accolades on the strength of a .343 average for the month of April, along with three home runs and 12 RBI's in 21 games. He had a hit in 17 of those 21 games, including a team-best eight-game hitting streak from April 14th - 21st.

Over his last week of baseball, Whittleman hit .391 with four runs scored, two doubles, two home runs, five RBI's and a slugging percentage of .826, running away with the Midwest League weekly award. He currently ranks third in the league in overall hitting at .341.

Whittleman and his LumberKings teammates open a four-game home and home series with Burlington tonight. Listen to the game on AM 1340 KROS in Clinton or live on the web at www.lumberkings.com.