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although it is semi-pro baseball, Bobby Pritchett has been signed and playing baseball in Normal, IL, for the Normal Cornbelters of the Frontier League. He was apparently signed last week and pitched Tuesday night for the 1st time and gave up 3 R on 5 H, 1 K and 1 BB in 1 inning of work...

http://www.normalbaseball.com/team/roster/index.html?player_id=42

Ouch. Not a good start.

I seriously doubt I update every time he pitches, but he did go an 1.2 IP last night and only allowed a H, a BB, and 2 K's with 0 runs, so much better second outing at least.

Why not? You got something better to do?

as of his last appearance, Bobby has rebounded nicely. He's only allowed 1 ER in his last 9 innings, so here's his numbers as of Saturday:
4 appearances, 0-0 record, 3.60 era, 10 IP, 6 R-4 ER, 16 K, 4 BB

Bobby picked up a win in 7 innings striking out 12 on Saturday night, I'd say he's found his groove a little bit now!

here's his stats page to keep up with:
http://fl-normal.bbstats.pointstreak.com/tp/player.html?playerid=67025

I have completely forgotten to mention this, but I found out late last week that Bobby will going through a tryout with the Tampa Bay Rays, either Tuesday (28th) or Wednesday (29th) down in Florida! So Good Luck to him!

His final numbers with the CornBelters:
He pitched in 13 games, and started 8. He finished with a 2-2 record and a 2.86 ERA in 72.1 innings pitched and 1 complete game. He struck out 79, only walked 29, and gave up only 45 hits and 23 ER in those 72.1 innings.

Thanks for the stats BF. Pretty impressive. Always liked the kid. Gave a 110% everytime he stepped on the field.

Fine ball player..... best wishes for the try outs

Frontier League is actually an independent professional league. Semi-pro is usually a summer baseball league consisting of mainly collegiate players and some former professional players. None of the players are payed so collegiate players do not jeopardize their eligibility.

Here's hoping Bobby gets his shot sometime soon:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/independent-audit/2010/2610775.html

Independent Leagues Top 10 Prospects (by Baseball America)
By J.J. Cooper
October 14, 2010

5. Bobby Pritchett, rhp, Normal (Frontier)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-9. Wt.: 160.

There are very few players in the independent leagues who are truly overlooked. They may not have gotten a good look because they played at a small school or because they missed time with injuries, but in most cases there is some reason that a scout at first glance decided to move on.

In Pritchett's case, the reason is quite apparent as soon as he steps onto the mound—he's 5-foot-9. But when Pritchett steps onto the mound, his stuff looks a lot bigger than his size would indicate. At Central Arkansas, Pritchett was a four-year starter on the mound and is the program's all-time leader in innings pitched. He also started two years at shortstop, but given a chance to focus solely on pitching, he proved to be one of the Frontier League's best starters as a rookie. He went 2-2, 2.86 with 79 strikeouts in 72 innings.

Pritchett's fastball tops out at 94 mph, although he more often sits between 91-92. Unlike most independent league pitchers with a plus fastball, the athletic Pritchett shows solid command. He also throws a decent changeup and curveball with some bite...


http://normalbaseball.com/news/index.html?article_id=303
SHELDON AND PRITCHETT RECOGNIZED BY BASEBALL AMERICA
10/14/2010 2:45 PM
Normal, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, are pleased to announce that right-handed pitchers Ryan Sheldon and Bobby Pritchett have been named among the Top 10 Prospects in Independent Baseball by Baseball America....

...Bobby Pritchett, ranked the #5 prospect by Baseball America, finished the 2010 season with an ERA of 2.86 with 79 strikeouts in 72 innings. Pritchett pitched in 13 games and finished the season with a 2-2 record. His fastball was clocked as high as 94 mph with an average of 91-92. In addition to his 94 mph fastball, he has a plus curveball and plus changeup. Pritchett signed as a free agent with the CornBelters in late June.

“He’s a real competitor. It won’t be long before he gets a chance in affiliated ball,” said Pitching Coach Brooks Carey.


http://www.ucasports.com/news/2010/10/15/BB_1015102655.aspx

Here are Bobby's numbers so far through this season in his 2nd year with the Cornbelters:
http://fl-normal.bbstats.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=67025


And joining Bobby this year in Normal, is former Bear and Bobby's former team mate Jeremy Brewer:
http://fl-normal.bbstats.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=131790

Bobby had a good start last time and should be starting again tomorrow.
Jeremy has been great in 5-of-7 appearances and has good numbers overall.

Thanks 101.