Article By:

CLEBURNE, Texas (Feb. 11, 2019) – The Cleburne Railroaders announced Monday the signing of outfielder Hunter Clanin.

Clanin impressed in his first professional season a year ago, hitting a combined .260 with 11 doubles, two triples, and four home runs in 61 games. The strong-armed outfielder was originally signed by the Wichita Wingnuts on June 11 as a true rookie out of Pittsburg State University, but was dealt to the Railroaders on August 1 in exchange for infielder Chase Simpson. After the trade, Clanin’s numbers improved across the board, as the 23-year old raised his batting average more than 40 points and matched his prior output in runs, triples, home runs, and steals over the course of 11 fewer games.

“Hunter showed last year that he has all the tools to be a really impactful player in this league,” manager Brent Clevlen said. “He plays the game hard, and made some plays last year not many guys in the American Association are capable of making. We’re expecting him to build off the success he had late last season and eventually reach the next level.”

Clanin produced a series of memorable moments in his short time with Cleburne, including a three-hit effort with a home run in his first game as a Railroader on August 3 vs. Fargo-Moorhead. The right-handed hitter went on to record four more three-hit performances over the season’s final 24 games, most notably a record-breaking day on August 14 vs. the Texas AirHogs. Clanin finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and home run, driving home a franchise-record seven runs in the process.

Prior to joining the Wingnuts in June, Clanin wrapped up an excellent collegiate career at Pittsburg State, where he hit .347 in two seasons as a Gorilla. Over the course of those two campaigns, he combined to smack 31 doubles, six triples, and 13 home runs, helping Pitt State to an NCAA regional appearance as a senior. The Columbus, Ohio, native originally began his collegiate career at Bowling Green State University, seeing action in 63 games over two seasons and logging 20 hits, including five doubles. A versatile defender, Clanin spent time at catcher in addition to his time in the outfield.

The signing of Clanin gives the Railroaders a total of 16 players under contract for the 2019 season.

The 3rd season of Railroaders baseball and the club’s pursuit of its first division title kicks off with a four-game home series against the Sioux Falls Canaries, beginning on Thursday, May 16. For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.

Photo Credit: Dan LeMoal/Northern Battery