WAUSAU, WI – April 28, 2008 – University of Notre Dame infielder Jeremy Barnes will be returning to play for the Wisconsin Woodchucks this summer.  The Woodchucks home opener is Friday, May 30^th at 6:35 PM.

Barnes joined the ‘Chucks after the midway point of the 2007 season.  Despite only playing in 30 games, the second baseman still finished second on the team with seven home runs.  He had one of the most memorable games in Woodchucks history on July 17^th, 2007 at Bukolt Park in Stevens Point.  Barnes hit three, three-run home runs in that game and finished with nine runs batted in (the three home runs tied the franchise record while the nine RBI set a new franchise record.)  He finished the season with a .286 batting average, a .375 on-base percentage, and an astounding .527 slugging percentage.

A native of Garland, Texas, Barnes is in his junior season at Notre Dame.  He has played in all 41 games for the 28-12-1 Irish.  He is tied for the team lead in doubles (12) and RBI  (34).  His defense has been solid all season long, committing only two errors and having a fielding percentage of .988.

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.  The Woodchucks 2008 home opener is set for Friday, May 30^th against the Eau Claire Express.  For ticket information or to reserve a date for a group outing, please contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055.