Madison, WI – June 29, 2008. The Madison Mallards offense received a boost today with the announcement of Northwoods League veteran Joe Bonadonna signing with the team for the remainder of the season. The right-handed hitting redshirt junior utility player from Illinois began the season with the Duluth Huskies, his fourth season with the team. He was waived by the Huskies on June 8.

On May 31 the speedster stole his first base of the season and 76th of his career, giving him the Northwoods League career steals record. He added four more before leaving Duluth, giving him at 80 career steals prior to joining the Mallards. A veteran of 185 Northwoods League games, Bonadonna brings a .241 career batting average to Madison.

Bonadonna enjoyed his best season with the Huskies in 2007, playing in 68 games and hitting .253 with 41 runs scored and 45 stolen bases, a Northwoods League single-season record. He also walked 48 times. He spent most of his time at second base, but also played the outfield in 2007. In his second season with the Huskies in 2006, Bonadonna hit .256 in 51 games played. He crossed the plate 19 times and drove in 16 more, stealing 33 bases in 46 attempts. Bonadonna played all over the field in 2006, logging innings at second base, third base, shortstop, center field and right field.

In the spring of 2008 Bonadonna had his best season with the Fighting Illini, starting on a regular basis for the first time in his career. He started all 56 games for Illinois, hitting .356 with 47 runs scored, 34 driven in, 12 doubles, a triple and a home run. He reached base at a .438 clip and stole 26 bases in 32 tries. He only made six errors in the field all season.