VARGAS RETURNS TO BEACH BUMS FOR 2012

1/19/2012 - TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Traverse City Beach Bums announced today that Jose Vargas will be back in 2012 as a veteran staple in both the infield and the lineup.

Vargas was a key component of the Beach Bums offense in 2011 as well as providing a solid defensive option for Manager Gregg Langbehn. He spent the majority of the season at third base but was also able to fill other roles when injuries forced some unexpected adjustments. Vargas finished the season with a .261 avg while leading the team in both doubles and triples with 28 and five, respectively. He was also second only behind JT Hall driving in 63 runs and played in all 96 games in 2011.

"I'm very exited to bring Vargas back for next season,” said Jason Wuerfel, Director of Baseball Operations. “He was one of our most dependable offensive contributors last year, but it was his defensive ability that really turned our heads. He is one of the best defensive 3rd basemen in the league, but also did a great job for us at shortstop when we had several injuries. He's a fan favorite and flat-out fun to watch."

Vargas finished the 2010 season with the Kannapolis Intimidators; single A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and members of the South Atlantic League. He played in 98 games for the Intimidators spreading his defensive prowess over four different positions and split the majority of his starts between the infield corners. He finished the season hitting .254 with 20 doubles, nine homeruns and 43 RBI.

In 2009 Vargas wrapped up the season hitting .191 and doubled in 31 games for the Intimidators after being promoted from the Great Falls Voyagers in the Pioneer League. While a Voyager, Vargas saw action in 36 games and posted a .333 avg while compiling 12 doubles, seven homeruns and 35 RBI. Prior to his stint with the Voyagers, Vargas was a member of the 2008 Bristol Sox after being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 22nd round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. In Bristol he hit six homers and eight doubles while driving in 27 runs in his rookie campaign.

Keep tabs on the Beach Bums and the latest news this off season by following on Twitter @beachbumstc, find us on Facebook or sign up to receive the Beach Bums newsletter right to your inbox! Season tickets are still available so join the Beach Bums Nation and be a part of our 2012 Lucky Seven Season. For more information stop by the Front Office open Monday through Friday 8:30 – 5:30, call us at (231) 943-0100 or visit us online at www.tcbeachbums.com.

The Traverse City Beach Bums are members of the 14 team Frontier League with teams in seven Midwest states and Canada. The Beach Bums 2012 home opener is Friday, May 25 versus the Windy City ThunderBolts.

Photo by: Traverse City Beach Bums official photographer Pete Walters.