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CLEBURNE, Tex. (Mar. 16, 2020) – The Cleburne Railroaders announced Monday the re-signing of outfielder Zach Nehrir.

Nehrir (pronounced NARE-ee-er) continued to cement his status as one of the American Association’s most well-rounded talents with a stellar 2019 season. Playing in 97 games as the Railroaders everyday centerfielder, Nehrir slashed .285/.364/.490 for a career-best .853 OPS. After hitting nine home runs combined in his first three seasons as a professional, Nehrir launched 12 round-trippers in 2019, adding four triples and a league-leading 34 doubles. His 50 combined extra-base hits finished tied for third on the circuit. The native of Orange, California finished the season with 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, ranking second in the league behind Gary SouthShore’s Colin Willis.

Defensively, Nehrir led all American Association outfielders with 0.77 dWAR, racking up eight outfield assists to tie for fifth on the league leaderboard. Despite being hampered by a foot injury throughout the season, Nehrir also added 13 stolen bases. He was selected as a Midseason All-Star, joining Railroaders teammates John Nester, Jesus Sanchez, Chase Simpson and Tyler Wilson representing the South Division in St. Paul.

Nehrir put together a brilliant 2018 season with the Wichita Wingnuts in his first American Association campaign. The 27-year old notched career highs in every meaningful statistical category, posting a .312 batting average with 20 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, and 61 RBI. The speedy centerfielder also led the American Association with 38 steals in 42 attempts, setting a new Wichita franchise record in the process. In addition to his offensive exploits, Nehrir topped the circuit with 11 outfield assists.

Prior to his independent league debut in 2018, Nehrir spent parts of three seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, most recently with Class-A Kane County. The right-handed hitting outfielder was a 2015 16th round pick by the Diamondbacks out of Houston Baptist University, where he hit .333 as a senior to earn All-Conference honors. Arizona assigned Nehrir to short-season Hillsboro for his professional debut, where he impressed immediately with a .297 average and 15 doubles over the course of 40 games. He was tabbed a Northwest League Mid-Season All-Star for his performance.

Nehrir was promoted to Kane County the following season, and once again got off to a blistering start, hitting .299 before a hand injury and mid-season swoon left his final average at .242 for the Cougars. Nehrir was still selected as a Midwest League All-Star, and received a call-up to High-A Visalia for 18 games midway through the 2016 season. The Diamondbacks released Nehrir 17 games into the 2017 campaign, split between Kane County and Visalia.

For his professional career, Nehrir is a .276 hitter with 21 home runs and 76 stolen bases in 100 attempts.

The signing of Nehrir gives the Railroaders 22 players under contract for the 2020 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 7.

2020 Signings
INF Alay Lago
C John Nester
C Blake Grant-Parks
RHP Jesus Sanchez
INF Chase Simpson
RHP Alex Boshers
OF Angel Reyes
RHP Angelo Palumbo
LHP Michael Gunn
INF David Gonzalez
RHP Osmer Morales
LHP Rick Teasley
OF Hunter Clanin
RHP Arlett Mavare
INF Colton Pogue
RHP Edward Cruz
RHP Garrett Alexander
RHP Jake Joyce
LHP Nathan Foriest
RHP Bryan Saucedo
RHP Landon Holifield
OF Zach Nehrir

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.