(Mankato MN)– The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the returning of two more players from the 2004 club. L.J. Mims (Iowa) and Brandon Hodge (U of Northern Illinois) have both re-signed to play for the MoonDogs in 2005.
Mims, a speedy outfielder for the Iowa Hawkeyes, saw limited action with the MoonDogs in 2004 but made a definite impact. In just 11 games, Mims used his speed to swipe 7 bases, tying his season total from the Hawkeyes in 2004.
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mims left the Midwest for Central Arizona College where he spent his freshman year hitting .459 with a .534 OBP. He then transferred to Iowa for his sophomore season where he started 50 games for the Hawkeyes, hitting .264 and committing only three errors.
"L.J. was a great player for us in his brief stint in 2004. We are really looking forward to seeing his speed unleashed on the Northwoods League this summer,” MoonDogs general manager Kyle Mrozek said.
As the starting center-fielder for the Hawkeyes, Mims will look to have another great season in 2005. He started the 2004 season going 2-5, with 5 putouts in the opener and looks to do the same as Iowa opens their season this Friday against Troy State (Alabama), as part of a round-robin tournament at Dothan’s Northcutt Field.
Hodge, a southpaw, who saw limited action for the MoonDogs in 2004 because of season-long problems with his shoulder, will return to give the MoonDogs pitching staff both experience and knowledge of the Northwoods League.
"We’re exited to have Brandon healthy for a full year. He showed great potential in the few innings he was able to pitch, and we feel he will be a great help in 2005,” Mrozek said.
Hailing from Union Center, WI, Hodge spent his first two collegiate season with Kishwaukee College, before he transferred to the University of Northern Illinois this year. Armed and ready to go, Hodge started the second game of the season for the Huskies, shutting out Texas Tech for the first 3 innings, before allowing only one earned run in his 4.2 innings of work.
The MoonDogs home-0pener is scheduled for Monday, June 6, against the St. Cloud River Bats. Season tickets and group tickets are on sale now, with single game tickets available May 7. Call 507-625-7047 or check out www.manakatomoondogs.com for more information.
