RAILROADERS ACQUIRE VETERAN BLACKWELL

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2018

CLEBURNE, Texas – The Cleburne Railroaders have acquired veteran RHP Shawn Blackwell from the New Jersey Jackals in exchange for rookie pitcher Alberto Rodriguez, the club announced Saturday.
Blackwell, a native of League City, Texas, returns to the American Association after two previous stints in 2015 and 2016, finishing with a 7-5 record and a 2.92 ERA in 36 appearances with Normal (Frontier League) in 2017.
“He’s definitely got experience,” pitching coach Ed Pruitt. “We’re looking at big things from Shawn this year. We don’t have the luxury of having Winston Abreu from last year, and we’re looking at Shawn Blackwell to fill those shoes and give us good outings every time he comes in.”
Blackwell, a 24th round pick of the Texas Rangers in the 2009 MLB Draft, reached Single-A Hickory in 2012 after rising through the rookie leagues and Low-A to begin his affiliated career.
In eight seasons of professional baseball, Blackwell owns a 44-41 record and a 4.36 ERA in 176 career appearances – 93 of those starts. Last year was Blackwell’s best in independent baseball, but the righty also went 5-9 with a 3.64 ERA for Sioux Falls in the 2015 season.
The Railroaders open their second season with a three-game series against the two-time defending champion Winnipeg Goldeyes May 18 at The Depot. Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now by visiting www.railroaderbaseball.com or by calling (817) 945-8705.