The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Andy McCauley have signed John Urick to a contract for the 2009 season.  Urick is the grandson of Royals Hall of Famer and legendary manager Whitey Herzog.

Urick, 27, has spent the last three seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, including a stint with Double-A Reading last year.  He was originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 22nd round of the 2003 amateur draft.  In 2004, his first full professional season, Urick hit .282 with 15 home runs and 65 RBI at Battle Creek, the Yankees Class A affiliate.

“John is a professional hitter,” said McCauley.  “He is a local kid who should add some power from the left side of the plate while giving us some options both at first and in the outfield.”

Urick attended Blue Springs High School before attending Cowley County College in Arkansas City, Kansas.  After being named a first-team JUCO All-American and a top junior college prospect by Baseball America in 2002, he transferred to Oklahoma State in 2003.  With the Cowboys, Urick hit .348 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI.

The T-Bones begin their title defense at home against the Winnipeg Goldeyes on May 15.  Single-game tickets for the 2009 exhibition and regular season are on sale now and start at just $6.  Season tickets, group tickets, mini-plans and All-You-Can-Eat plans are available as well.  For more information, call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com