The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Tim Doherty have announced that 2009 Northern League Relief Pitcher of the Year Andy Shipman has been acquired for a player to be named and cash from the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

Shipman, 29, rejoins the T-Bones after two seasons as closer for the RailCats. In that span, Shipman made 77 total appearances with Gary, going 8-5 with 34 saves and a 2.44 ERA. He struck out 77 batters in 85 innings with the RailCats while being selected as an all-star in each of the two seasons. Shipman paced the league with 21 saves in 2010.

“We’ve acquired the best closer over the last two seasons,” Doherty said. “Andy is a proven closer who had great success with Gary. He is a local guy and it’s good to have him back in Kansas City.”

Shipman is a native of Warrensburg, MO and played collegiately for the University of Missouri. He began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Boston Red Sox and advanced as high as Triple-A as a member of the Cubs organization in 2006. After two seasons in Double-A with the Oakland Athletics, he signed with the T-Bones in August 2008.

The T-Bones begin their 2011 campaign in El Paso, TX on May 12 and will host the Gary SouthShore RailCats in their home opener on May 17. Season ticket packages and mini-plans are available now by calling 913-328-5618. For information on group outings, call 913-328-5623. Single-game tickets for the exhibition and regular season are currently on sale for Wyandotte County residents, and will be available for sale to the general public on March 24. Visit www.tbonesbaseball.com or follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date throughout the year.