Another story from regular reader and Railcats fan, JohnU *.  Thanks againt to him and to the Railcats for providing the information via press release.  Here’s an example of how, even at an independent league game, you could be watching the major leaguers of the future. 

July 22, 2007                     

Gary, Ind.—The Gary SouthShore RailCats Professional Baseball Club announced today that the contract of pitcher Chad Blackwell has been sold to the Toronto Blue Jays organization.  He will report to the Blue Jays Advanced Single-A club,

Dunedin, in the Florida State League.

 Blackwell pitched in 29 games with the RailCats this season, posting a record of 4-0 with a 1.09 earned run average and four saves.  He allowed only 25 hits in 41.1 innings, walking just 14 and striking out 38.  Opposing batters hit only .188 against Blackwell. Blackwell is a product of the University of

South Carolina, where he led the nation in saves in 2004.  He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in June of 2004 and spent two seasons in the Royals organization before spending the 2006 season in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. 

Blackwell becomes the 16th RailCats player to be sold to a major league organization.  He hopes to join pitcher Tim Byrdak and outfielder Nathan Haynes as players to play in the major leagues after playing for the RailCats. 

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