FORMER JACKALS INFIELDER SOLD TO PIRATES

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals have announced that former infielder Chris Garcia has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Garcia, the 22-year-old Brooklyn, NY native joined the Jackals on August 29th. He would help the Jackals finish the season strong and was an integral part of the Jackals’ playoff roster. Prior to playing for the Jackals, Garcia played with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains of the American Association. In 77 games, Garcia had a .361 average with five homers and 52 RBI. His average ranked second in the American Association. Garcia’s rights were returned to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at the end of the 2009 season.

Garcia, a 15th round draft pick, began his career in the Angels organization in 2007, spending two years in Rookie ball split between the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League and the Angels of the Arizona League. His best year in the Angels organization was in 2008 where he had a combined .366 average with seven doubles and 24 RBI over 40 games with both the Owlz and AZL Angels.

“We are very excited for Chris.” Manager Joe Calfapietra commented. “He was an extremely important addition to the Jackals for the playoff series, it is great to see Chris get another chance in affiliated baseball and get one step closer to achieving his dream of playing in the major leagues.”

With the signing of Garcia, the Jackals have now had 16 players sign with a major league organization since the beginning of the 2006 season. Brad Voyles (Florida), Jaime Cerda (Seattle), and John Lindsey (Los Angeles) are all playing at the Triple-A level. Tom Atlee (Milwaukee), Rusty Tucker (Milwaukee), Guillermo Reyes (Arizona), Alex Fernandez (Pittsburgh) and Raul Valdes (New York Mets) are playing at the Double-A level. Jemel Spearman (Washington), Hunter Davis (Tampa Bay) and Jason Wylie (Philadelphia) are playing at the High Single-A level. Sandy Madera (Boston), Michael Vicaro (Arizona), Randy Rapp (Oakland) and Isaac Pavlik (Chicago Cubs) have returned to the Independent Leagues after playing at various levels in affiliated leagues.

“We are very proud as an organization to help players get their first or second chance with a major league organization. The success of players that have moved on shows the value of independent baseball as a whole.” commented Manager Joe Calfapietra.

The Jackals wish Chris Garcia the best of luck for the 2010 season.