The 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts professional baseball team has announced the signing of outfielder Phil Grau to a contract for the 2008 season. A native of Chesterville, Illinois, Grau enters his third season as a professional player this summer.
Grau spent last season with the Coastal Bend Aviators of the American Association, hitting .221 with 12 doubles, one home run, and 24 RBI in 68 games. He was with the Reno Silver Sox of the Golden League for his professional debut in 2006. Grau finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in the Golden League, compiling a .264 batting average with 15 doubles, seven home runs, and 37 RBI in 76 games in leading Reno to the Golden League championship.
Grau was selected the Athlete of the Year at the University of Texas-Tyler by the American Southwest Conference during his senior season along with receiving the Sportsmanship Award. He was also named NCAA Division III All-West Region after leading the Patriots to the ASCs East Division title. Grau finished 2005 with a .431 batting average, 11 home runs, and 44 RBI in 37 games. He was named first team All-Conference both seasons he played at UT-Tyler, where he was teammates with recent ThunderBolt signee Kevin Noles.
"Phil is a top-notch professional centerfielder with a great arm and speed, commented ThunderBolts field manager Brian Nelson. Phil is someone I have looked long and hard for to fill the centerfield position with the Thunderbolts. His two seasons in pro ball have been with teams that do not run much, and he will be very successful in my system."
The Windy City ThunderBolts are entering their tenth season as members of the Frontier League. The ThunderBolts play at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood and will look to defend their Frontier League Championship. Windy City opens the 2008 season on May 21, with the home opener on Tuesday, May 28 against Evansville. For more information, please contact the ThunderBolts at 708.489.2255 or visit www.wcthunderbolts.com.