All-star infielder Jonathan Johnson headlines a list of three players who have signed contracts to return to the Gateway Grizzlies for the 2013 season. Pitchers Chris Enourato and Brett Kennedy have also re-signed.
"These three guys will be an important piece to our team in 2013," Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. "We're excited to know that we'll have them back."
Johnson, a 5-9, 170-pound left-handed hitter, batted .295 with 26 extra base hits in 2012. The Lakewood, Calif., native also stole 20 bases and provided solid defense at second base. Johnson, 24, played in a team record 95 games and his 65-game on-base streak to start the season is a Frontier League record.
"JJ is the type of player every manager wants on their team," Warren said. "He plays the game the right way and is as consistent as they come. He will be a leader for us in 2013."
Enourato, a former star at West Virginia University, returns for his third season with the Grizzlies. The 25-year-old from Morgantown, W.Va., is 5-foot-8, and had a 4.60 ERA in his two seasons with Gateway. A 6-1 215-pound right-hander, Enourato has appeared in 59 games, starting 11 (all in 2012). He saved 11 games in 2011 and was named a Frontier League All-Star.
Kennedy, a 6-3, 200-pound 24-year-old, joined the Grizzlies late in the 2012 season after being acquired in a trade with the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League. The right-hander from Rockmart, Ga., went 0-2 with a 3.18 ERA in five relief appearances with Gateway.
The Grizzlies 2013 home opener is May 21 when they take on the Slammers at GCS Ballpark. Season and group tickets are on sale now. For more information call 618-337-3000.
