The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Andy McCauley have announced the signings of pitcher Payton Tweddale and infielder Jeff Helps for the 2009 season.

Tweddale, 23, returns to Kansas City after appearing in 26 games with the T-Bones in 2008.  The left-hander originally joined the team on June 29 last season after finishing out his collegiate career at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina.  He played four seasons with the Buccaneers, setting school career records in appearances (104) and saves (20).

“Payton came up big for us in some key situations down the stretch last season,” said McCauley.  “We look for him to again play a large role as a situational lefty and in middle relief.”

Tweddale held opposing hitters to a .260 average with the T-Bones last season.  He posted 14 scoreless outings, 10 of which came in appearances spanning one or more innings.

Helps, 23, prepares for his professional debut after playing three seasons for Central Michigan University.  With the Chippewas, Helps hit .306/.410/.406 over 116 career games.

“Jeff put up good numbers at CMU and we expect him to battle for a job at shortstop,” added McCauley.  “He’s solid defensively and should contribute either as a starter or an excellent utility option.”

Single-game tickets for the 2009 exhibition and regular season start at just $6 and are now available to Wyandotte County residents.  They will be released to the general public on March 26.  Season tickets, group tickets, mini-plans and All-You-Can-Eat plans are on sale now.  For more information regarding T-Bones ticket options, call
913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com