CALIFORNIA NATIVE BENNETT WHITMORE SIGNS WITH BEACH BUMS

2/14/2012 - TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Traverse City Beach Bums are excited to announce the signing of LHP Bennett Whitmore.

Bennett Whitmore had the opportunity to turn professional when drafted in both the 2008 and 2009 drafts (44th round and 32nd round respectively) but decided to finish his collegiate career at Concordia University before being selected in the 24th round of the 2010 draft by the Seattle Mariners organization. From there he started the 2010 season with the Rookie Pulaski Mariners of the Appalachian League and finished with the Everett AquaSox. In 13 games he compiled a 5.73 ERA and 19 strikeouts. Last year, Whitmore spent another season with the AquaSox where he posted a 4-6 record with a 5.40 ERA and 40 strikeouts while only allowing 13 free passes.

"Whitmore is a big left-hander that we expect to slide right into our starting rotation,” said Jason Wuerfel, Director of Baseball Operations. “He mixes his pitches well and throws strikes, a great combination for pitching in spacious Wuerfel Park. As a three-time MLB draft pick, he's been a highly-sought-after prospect at every level, and we believe the fans of Traverse City will really enjoy watching him throw."

Spending his senior season at Concordia University, Whitmore also spent time at the University of Oregon (2008-09), Fresno City College (2007-08), and Fresno Pacific (2006-07). At Concordia, Whitmore finished his senior season with an 8-5 record and a 3.55 ERA in 15 starts. He led the team with 101.1 innings of work and struck out 98 batters holding opponents to a .263 avg.

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 provided by and used with the permission of Concordia University.