Former Bearcats Will Be Beach Bums

March 18, 2007

Official Website of the Traverse City Beach Bums

LaFringe Hayes also signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums.

CINCINNATI, Ohio---Former Bearcats LaFringe Hayes and Jack Nelson will continue their respective playing careers during the 2007 season as both have agreed to professional contracts with the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Independent Frontier League.

The deal for Hayes is the first of his professional career, while Nelson spent 2006 with the Greeneville Astros in the Houston Astros' minor league system. At Greeneville, Nelson appeared in 16 games, throwing 27.0 innings and striking out 19. The lefty held an 0-4 record and a 5.67 ERA.

Both players finished their UC careers during the 2006 season. Hayes started all 58 games in centerfield, hitting .275 with two home runs, 33 RBI and eight stolen bases. Nelson was the Bearcats' primary designated hitter and was a pitcher out of the bullpen. At the plate, Nelson hit .306 in 53 games with 16 doubles, five home runs and 47 RBI. As a pitcher, Nelson went 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA in a team-high 24 appearances. Nelson added four saves and struck out 35 in 34.0 innings of work.

Traverse City plays in the same league as the Florence Freedom. Local fans can catch a glimpse of both players in action when the Beach Bums visit the Freedom, Aug. 14-16.