Schmidt to pitch at Lancaster

For the second time in less than two weeks, a Major League star is slated to pitch in Lancaster against the Lancaster JetHawks, Class A Affiliate of the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.

The Los Angeles Dodgers website is reporting that Jason Schmidt will pitch in his first competitive game this season on Sunday at Clear Channel Stadium when the JetHawks host the Inland Empire 66ers at 2 PM.

The 13-year Major League veteran was the ace of the San Francisco Giants staff for five-and-a-half seasons, being selected to the National League All Star team in 2003, 2004, and 2006. The hard-throwing right-hander signed a free agent contract with the Dodgers before the 2007 campaign, but injuries marred his first season in Los Angeles. An elbow injury held him out of the beginning of the year and he made just six starts before shoulder surgery ended his season.

This would be the second time an All-Star Major League pitcher has appeared in Lancaster this season, following Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ace John Lackey, who appeared in Lancaster on April 29. Lackey pitched a second time against Lancaster at Rancho Cucamonga, joined by Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick.

"It's great any time a big league player comes to Lancaster, but to have two big stars in two weeks is great for our fans," says JetHawks General Manager Brad Seymour. "We so rarely get the chance to see that kind of player up close in our own stadium. Our fans really enjoyed seeing Lackey pitch. With our proximity to Dodger Stadium and with so many Dodgers fans in the area, this is likely their best chance to see a Dodger in such a great setting."

This will be Schmidt's first game action in his effort to come back from the injury. As such, he is only expected to pitch one inning. Fans looking to see Schmidt pitch are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early. The gates will open at 1 PM and all mothers in attendance will receive a complimentary flower, courtesy of The Farmer's Wife Florist.

Season tickets and mini-plan packages, as well as individual game tickets, for another memorable season at Clear Channel Stadium are available now. Contact the JetHawks box office by phone at (661) 726-500 or online at www.JetHawks.com.