Nine alums make Padres' roster
"We're extremely proud of these guys," TinCaps president Mike Nutter said. "One of the fun parts about Minor League Baseball is that fans can track players on their way up through the minor leagues. Every player who comes through here dreams of making it to the major leagues and they've accomplished that."
Venable, Headley and Hundley are joined by RHP Ernesto Frieri, LHP Cory Luebke and OF Cedric Hunter as Fort Wayne alums on San Diego's active roster. RHP Mat Latos, OF/INFs Mike Baxter and Kyle Blanks opened the year on the Padres' disabled list.
When Hunter makes his MLB debut, he will become the 96th player who has gone from Fort Wayne to play in the big leagues.
San Diego's coaching staff is also dotted with Fort Wayne alums including hitting coach Randy Ready and pitching coach Darren Balsley. Former TinCaps C Griffin Benedict was recently hired as a bullpen catcher for San Diego.
Fort Wayne is represented on several other MLB rosters. Angels OF Torii Hunter, Twins INF/OF Michael Cuddyer, White Sox C A.J. Pierzynski and RHP Jake Peavy, Royals RHP Joakim Soria, Brewers RHP LaTroy Hawkins and Cardinals 3B David Freese all logged time in the Summit City.
Tickets are still available for each TinCaps game on Opening Weekend. The TinCaps open the season Thursday, April 7 at 7:05 p.m. against the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class-A Arizona Diamondbacks). Thirsty Thursday drink specials are in effect on Opening Night; featured events include 3D video board features and a post-game fireworks show. The season-opening four-game series runs through Sunday, April 10.
To order tickets, log on to the tickets page, call (260) 482-6400 or visit the Parkview Field ticket office.