KELLY NEWEST ADDITION TO ROTATION IN TRAVERSE CITY

2/16/2012 - TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Traverse City Beach Bums continue to prepare a contending pitching staff for the 2012 campaign with the signing of Reid Kelly.

Kelly was drafted in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Chandler –Gilbert Community College. His professional debut came with the Rookie Greeneville Astros where he went 4-0 in 20 games with a 3.66 ERA. After a good rookie season, Kelly was promoted to the single-A affiliate Lexington Legends where he spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

In his second year with the Legends, Kelly reduced his ERA to 3.41 with a 3-3 record and 4 saves. Almost doubling his work load as a reliever Kelly averaged 9.1 strikeouts per 9 IP ringing up 72 batters in 2008. He was promoted again in 2009 as he joined the Lancaster Jethawks, high-A affiliate of the Astros where he posted a 2-1 record in 21 games including three starts.

Kelly joined a new organization in the Chicago White Sox where he spent the season with the Kannapolis Intimidators in 2011. In 11 appearances Kelly compiled a 3.72 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and a 1-0 record.

"Kelly is a huge addition to our starting rotation,” said Director of Baseball Operations, Jason Wuerfel. “He has the chance to be one of the elite starters in the Frontier League with a power fastball and one of the best breaking balls our fans will see in Traverse City. He has a lot of pro experience under his belt and will help us on and off the diamond."

In his final year at Chandler-Gilbert Community College Kelly led the team with 54 IP and a 2.00 ERA in nine games. He struck out 49 batters while posting a 4-2 record for the Coyotes.

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.

Photos provided by and used with the permission of the Kannapolis Intimidators and the Chicago White Sox. Headshot credit Ron Vesely© Chicago White Sox.