T-Bones manager Andy McCauley and the T-Bones have announced that Mario Delgado will return for the 2008 season.  Delgado led the T-Bones or was second on the team in nearly every offensive category last season.

Delgado led the T-Bones in hits, doubles and at-bats with 136, 32 and 399 respectively.  He also led the team with 49 extra-base hits, good for second-best in the league.  He finished the year second on the team with a .341 average, 15 home runs, 81 RBI and a .544 slugging percentage. 

“Mario’s a mainstay in our lineup,” said T-Bones hitting coach Tim Doherty.  “He’s a guy that we can build our lineup around.  He can really help the younger hitters because he’s been in the league for a while and he has a good idea of what the pitchers are going to do.”

Delgado was voted to the Northern League All-Star team last season but was unable to play due to injury.  Shortly after the break he rattled off a season-long 12-game hit streak raising his average 18 points from .332 to .350 earning him Northern League Player of the Week honors for the first week in August.

The T-Bones open the 2008 season on the road May 15 in Winnipeg, before the home-opener at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on May 23 against Schaumburg.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.  Season tickets and mini plans are available now by calling the T-Bones box office at (913) 328-5618.