Alumni Database: ’12 Indy Ball Signings

2011 AIA Fire Taylor Oldham has caught on with the Washington Wild Things

I recently took some time to browse through the rosters of independent professional league teams in search of Alaska League alumni and came up with a few — including some that were not in the database. The database has been updated to add in the players who were not previously included, and update the listing of those who were.

Independent baseball is composed of several leagues outside of the affiliated minor league system. Many former Alaska League players have spent time in “indy ball” after going undrafted by a Major League club, or being released by one. MLB teams often scout the independent leagues for players who can fill a particular role in their organization; occasionally they pick up players who prove to be successful at the professional level in indy ball who, for whatever reason, were overlooked by the affiliated clubs. For some players indy ball is a way to break into, or back into, the minor-league farm system; for others it is simply a way to extend their careers beyond college or a career in affiliated pro ball.

Here are some former ABL players who have been located in the independent leagues:

American Association

• Cisneros, Jonathan – 2009 Miners, El Paso Diablos
• Hedrick, Brandon* – 2011 Miners, Lincoln Saltdogs
• Kahauleilo, Jake – 2005/06 Oilers, Wichita Wingnuts
• Spink, Conor* – 2010 Glacier Pilots, Lincoln Saltdogs

Atlantic League

• Canham, Mitch – 2005 Glacier Pilots, Long Island Ducks
• Matthews, Aaron – 2003 Goldpanners, Somerset Patriots
• Niesen, Erik – 2006 Bucs, Long Island Ducks
• Ortiz, Wilberto – 2006 Glacier Pilots, Long Island Ducks

Can-Am League

• Salotti, Nick* – 2005 Glacier Pilots, Worcester Tornadoes
• Valencia, Chris – 2007 Goldpanners, Rockland Boulders

Frontier League

• Crank, Coley* – 2009/10 Bucs, Washington Wild Things
• Hur, Michael* – 2009 Bucs, Rockford RiverHawks
• Johnson, Jonathan* – 2009 Miners, Gateway Grizzlies
• Mee, Andy* – 2010 Miners, Windy City Thunderbolts
• Oldham, Taylor* – 2011 Fire, Washington Wild Things
• Perconte, Mike – 2006 Glacier Pilots, Joliet Slammers

North American League

• Glad, Gunner* – 2009 Glacier Pilots, Abilene Prairie Dogs
• Koss, Paul – 2005 Glacier Pilots, Edinburg Roadrunners
• Willinsky, Mark – 2006 Miners, San Angelo Colts

Pecos League

• Dingeman, Derrick* – 2011 Glacier Pilots, Alpine Cowboys

* denotes a player who is newly added to the Pro Alumni Database.