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March 16, 2010 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Chris Pfalzgraf may be the most-rested pitcher in baseball.
The former Texas Rangers farmhand has pitched in only one professional baseball game in the last nine years thanks to injury and fatherhood, but as far as the newest Rockford RiverHawk is concerned, he has plenty left in the tank.
“I persevered through all of that, but my arm’s in shape, and I’m young and I don’t want to give up the dream,” the 32-year-old righthander said.
The RiverHawks announced on Tuesday that they have signed Pfalzgraf, who signed with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent out of Aurora University in 2000.
Pfalzgraf went 3-0 with a 4.50 earned-run average and five saves that summer at Port Charlotte in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He averaged a strikeout an inning in 20 appearances. Right after that came arm injuries that forced him out of baseball.
“All that time, I’ve been fighting to get back, but it was hard,” Pfalzgraf said.
Pfalzgraf, who has since become a father, has stayed active in amateur wood-bat leagues and went to spring training in 2005 with the Northern League’s Schaumburg Flyers. Although he didn’t make their roster, Pfalzgraf started a regular-season game last year for the Gary RailCats. He lasted four innings and gave up three runs on four hits against Schaumburg.
“He’ll have an opportunity and the rest is up to him,” RiverHawks co-owner and director of baseball operations Dave Ciarrachi said. “His performance will dictate his future with us.”
Pfalzgraf will have rookie status in the Northern League.
The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 18th season in 2010. The RiverHawks’ ninth season begins at 7:05 p.m. May 20 against the Schaumburg Flyers at Road Ranger Stadium. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380 (WTJK-AM) and on ESPN1380.com. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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