ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Rockford Thunder of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) have acquired the No. 16 draft pick from the Philadelphia Force in exchange for third baseman Clare Burnum and outfielders Julie Watson and Raquel “Rocky” Spencer, team General Manager Aaron M. Moore announced today.
“This is a move we felt we had to make at this time,” said Moore. “We appreciate everything that Clare, Julie and Rocky did during their respective times with the Thunder. We wish them all the best as they move forward with their careers in the NPF.”
Burnum, an original member of the Thunder, played her first three seasons in a Texas uniform. Her best season came in 2005 when she hit .357 at the plate, while driving in 44 runs and scoring another 27. She also held the fourth-best on-base percentage in the league at .520.
Watson, an undrafted player out of Cal State Fullerton, played two seasons with the Thunder. Her best season came in 2005 when she hit .272, collecting 25 hits in 92 at-bats. She also scored 22 runs and stole nine bases.
Spencer, also undrafted by the Thunder, played her college ball at Texas A&M University. As a rookie in 2006, Spencer collected 31 hits in 124 at-bats, good for a .250 batting average. She also earned 16 walks and scored 12 runs.
The trade with the Force was the Thunder’s second of the off-season. Back in October the team sent two draft picks to the Chicago Bandits in exchange for Mackenzie Vandergeest, Amanda and Jessica Williams and Missy Beseres. Beseres has since been released to pursue other opportunities outside of playing softball.
For more information on the Thunder or to purchase season tickets for the 2007 season, contact Aaron M. Moore, general manager, at (815) 965-7000 or
amoore@thunderprofastpitch.com. Season ticket purchases made by February 28 will qualify for a $25 discount. For additional information on the team, visit them on the web at
www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Denver, Colo. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL).
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