wcthunderbolts.com

LANSING NATIVE JOE PANOZZO JOINS THUNDERBOLTS

Crestwood, IL – The 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Joe Panozzo to a contract for the 2008 season. Panozzo is a 2003 graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois.

Panozzo appeared in five games for the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the Northern League in 2007, for whom new ThunderBolts field manager Brian Nelson served as hitting coach. He compiled a 1-0 record and 13.50 ERA in 5.1 innings of work.

Panozzo signed with the RailCats after his career at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He was named First Team NCAA Division II All-North Central Region and All-Great Lakes Valley Conference as a relief pitcher last spring, posting a 7-1 record with seven saves and a 1.30 ERA over 20 games. Panozzo yielded only 21 hits in 34.2 innings while striking out 28 batters for the Pumas. He also spent time as an outfielder at Saint Joseph’s, combining for a .256 average in 91 games over two seasons.

Prior to transferring to Saint Joseph’s, Panozzo spent two seasons at Joliet Junior College. He was named All-N4C Conference as an outfielder for the Wolves in 2005 along with being named the NJCAA Division III Region IV Tournament MVP in 2004.

“I am looking for Joe to be a key arm out of the bullpen this season,” commented Nelson. “Joe suffered from an arm injury while in Gary and if 100% he will be a great addition to our pitching staff.”

The Windy City ThunderBolts are entering their tenth season as members of the Frontier League. The ThunderBolts play at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood and will look to defend their Frontier League Championship starting next May. For more information, please contact the ThunderBolts at 708.489.2255 or visit www.wcthunderbolts.com.