Windy City Thunderbolts pitcher, Hall, signed to San Diego

The Windy City Thunderbolts play in the independent Frontier League, a league that has become particularly lonely recently with the Riverhawks moving to the Northern League.  In the independent leagues it is tougher, but not impossible, for the players to get signed by the majors and when it happens it is always interesting news.  The Thunderbolts have announced that relief pitcher Nick Hall has now been signed by the San Diego Padres.

Hall will now report to the Padres spring training camp in February and will enter their Single-A system.  Hall actually had sat out for two seasons before returning to his professional baseball career in 2009.  In 2009 he became the team’s closer and had a 4-1 record.  He also earned 11 saves, and a 2.41 ERA.  He pitched in over 40 games and had 59 strikeouts over 41 innings.  During the run in August he did not allow an earned run when appearing for 14 times during that month.  

Hall had originally signed with the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2006.  He went to their Gulf Coast League team and made appearances in 12 games.  He had a 2-1 record and a 6.91 ERA.  

The Thunderbolts won back-to-back championships and managed to get into the playoffs again for the 2009 season.  This past season the team posted attendance records with a 26% increase in patrons through the gate.  They are remaining in the independent Frontier League for 2010 where they hope to make it to the playoffs for a fourth straight season.