Published On: May 5th, 2009

NORTHWOODS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 5, 2009

Mallards Sign Memphis Infielder

(MADISON, WI) A year removed from breaking his jaw after taking a fastball to the face last spring, a 2009 Madison Mallard, Memphis redshirt freshman infielder Adam McClain, is determined more than ever to prove that he’s the five-tool player everyone expects him to be. Before his true freshman season was abruptly ended by the injury, McClain was hitting .311 (14-for-45) with eight RBI that included one home run. Last summer he played for the Luray Wranglers in the Valley League and hit .258 with 27 runs, 32 RBI, and 9 home runs in 52 games. After the season Baseball America ranked him the No. 4 prospect in the Valley League.

McClain doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him missing a bulk of last season due to that unfortunate injury.

“It is what it is,” said McClain.

“I look at the injury as being a mini blessing in that I’m still technically a freshman this year but I was still able to receive a good amount of playing time before I went down. Therefore I have much more experience than the typical first-year collegiate baseball player does.”

Through 39 games with the Tigers in 2009 he’s second on the team in hitting at .302, has 10 doubles, 4 home runs, and 19 RBI.

Mallards Manager C.J. Thieleke likes the fact that McClain was able to experience a minor league-type schedule last summer without using a year of his college eligibility. 

“I like to think that everything happens for a reason and while the injury was a tough break for Adam, he’ll be the first to tell you that it’s made him a better player and a hungrier one too,” said Thieleke.

Thieleke also states that McClain’s ability to play multiple positions will give the Mallards flexibility in adjusting the lineup each and every night.

“Adam is a plus-player at both middle infield positions as well as all three spots in the outfield,” said Thieleke.

“We get the impression that he thrives in big game situations so we’re very excited to see what he can do in front of 6,000-plus screaming fans at the Duck Pond this summer.”

Latest News