WAUSAU, WI – October 15, 2007  –  Not only was there a handful of former Wisconsin Woodchucks playing in the majors this past season, but there were also several former ‘Chucks who competed at the minor league level. A total of 29 former ‘Chucks spent their time in the minor and independent leagues this past summer.

Four former ‘Chucks saw time at the AAA-level, and six appeared at the AA-level.  One of the players spending time at the AA-level was Antigo native Justin Berg.  Berg pitched for the Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs affiliate) and is currently playing for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League.  The Arizona Fall League, which is owned and operated by all teams in Major League Baseball, features some of minor league baseball’s premier, up-and-coming stars.

The following is a list of the former ‘Chucks who played in the minors or the independent league this summer (player name, year with ‘Chucks, 2007 team, level):

Justin Berg, 2003, Tennessee Smokies, AA
Lance Broadway, 2004, Charlotte Knights, AAA*
Jay Buente, 2004-05, Greensboro Grasshoppers, A
Dan Dement, 1998-99, Harrisburg Senators, AA
Daniel Descalso, 2006, Swing of the Quad Cities, A
Dave Gassner, 1998, Rochester Red Wings, AAA
Mike Goetz, 2004, Helena Brewers (Rookie), Huntsville Stars (AA)
Mark Haske, 2002, Lakeland Flying Tigers, A-Adv.
Stephen Holdren, 2003, Gateway Grizzlies, Frontier League
Jeremy Jirschele, 2004, Burlington Bees (A), Wilmington Blue Rocks (A-Advanced)
Brandon Kellbach, 2001 & 2003, Gateway Grizzlies, Frontier League
Scotty Madsen, 2005-06, Kannapolis Intimidators, A
Rob Marconi, 2003, Windy City ThunderBolts, Frontier League
Mike McKennon, 2005, Billings Mustangs, Rookie
Tim McNab, 2000-01, Binghamton Mets, AA
James Morris, 2003, GCL Reds, Rookie
Gary Perinar, 2005, GCL Tigers, Rookie
Josh Perrault, 2002, Potomac Nationals, A-Adv.
Rich Prall, 2006, GCL Phillies, Rookie
Greg Reinhard, 2004, Daytona Cubs (A-Adv.), Tennessee Smokies (AA)
Tony Roth, 2003, Evansville Otters, Frontier League
Drew Saylor, 2003-05, Greeneville Astros, Rookie
Aaron Solomon, 2004, Everett AquaSox, A-Short Season
Ricky Sparks, 2005, Savannah Sand Gnats, A
Matt Tucker, 2005, Aberdeen Ironbirds, A-Short Season
Jim Ed Warden, 1999, Akron Aeros (AA), Buffalo Bisons (AAA)
Matt Willard, 2007, GCL Indians, Rookie
Ned Yost, Jr., 2003, Brevard County Manatees, A-Adv.
Ben Zobrist, 2003, Durham Bulls, AAA*
* also played in the majors in 2007 

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the Northwoods League, a college wood bat summer league featuring players from across the country.  Baseball America named the Northwoods League as one of the premier summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country.  For ticket information contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055.