Springfield Sliders Sign Local Talent

SPRINGFIELD, IL – May 19, 2008 – The Springfield Sliders announced the signings of catcher Alex Urbas and pitcher Lucas Kesterson.  Urbas and Kesterson do not have far to travel as both are teammates at Springfield College.  The Sliders inaugural season opens up at home on June 5^th.

Urbas, a 5’9” catcher from Sherman, Illinois, is hitting .369 during his sophomore campaign this spring.  In 42 starts he leads Springfield College in home runs with seven and is tied for the lead in doubles with 15.  The pre-season All-American is also second in runs scored (52) for the Bulldogs.

Kesterson, a 6’2” freshman right-handed pitcher, carries a 3.84 ERA in 11 starts this spring.  The Taylorville, Illinois native is 7-2 in 15 appearances and 65.2 innings pitched.  He has an outstanding strikeout to walk ratio of 60:17 to go along with three complete games.

“The Sliders are lucky to get two talented players like Alex Urbas and Lucas Kesterson,” said Sliders field manager Ryan Sawyers.  “They come from one of the better junior college programs in the country and have led SCI to a very successful season.  Their familiarity with Lanphier Park and the city of Springfield will only help in the Sliders inaugural season.”

The Springfield Sliders are a member of the Central Illinois Collegiate League, a college wood bat summer league featuring players from across the country.  The Sliders 2008 home opener is Thursday, June 5^th at 7:05 PM against the Quincy Gems.  Visit the Sliders website at www.springfieldsliders.com to view the summer schedule.  For ticket information or to reserve a date for a group outing, please contact the Sliders office at 217-679-3511.