Little Falls, NJ - The New Jersey Jackals have announced that
catcher Matt Lauderdale will be returning for the 2008
season.
Lauderdale played 52 games for the Jackals last
season, primarily as the Jackals’ starting catcher. In only
183 at bats, Lauderdale had a .295 batting average with 12
doubles, one triple, and eight home runs.
“We are
extremely happy to have Lauderdale back for the 2008 season,”
stated Jackals’ field manager Joe Calfapietra. “He
was a major part of our success in the first half of last season
and was sorely missed when injured for most of the second half.
We are excited to have him back and healthy for the upcoming
season.”
Lauderdale was selected by the San Diego
Padres organization in the ninth round of the 2003 amateur draft.
In 2003, Lauderdale started his professional career playing for
the Padres’ Single-A affiliate Eugene Emeralds of the
Northwest League. In 12 games, Lauderdale hit for a .231 batting
average with three doubles and a home run. In 2006, Lauderdale
played for the Padres’ Double-A affiliate Mobile BayBears
of the Southern League. In 44 games, Matt had a .233 batting
average with seven doubles, one triple and three home runs.
The
Jackals will start their 94-game 2008 season on May 22nd. Season
Tickets, Mini Plans, and Group packages are available. For more
information, call the Jackals’ box office at (973)
655-8025.