(Courtesy Wichita Wingnuts)
Wichita, Kansas – The contract of Wichita Wingnuts slugger C.J. Ziegler was sold to the Minnesota Twins’ organization on Wednesday. Ziegler will report to spring training with the organization in February.
The 28- year old infielder enjoyed a record-breaking 2013 campaign. Playing in all 107 regular-season and playoff games at first base, Ziegler hit .316 while also setting both American Association and Wingnuts single-season records with 30 home runs. He also led the league by driving in 100 runs. In addition, Ziegler finished in the top ten in the American Association in runs scored, doubles, walks, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. On August 21, he hit for the first cycle in franchise history against Gary SouthShore. His impressive numbers earned him both American Association Player of the Year and Baseball America’s Independent Player of the Year for 2013.
“It was a fun two years having C.J. on our ball club,” said Wingnuts’ manager Kevin Hooper. “For him to be named player of the year is a special achievement. He had a terrific season and was a huge part of our team’s success on the field. We wish him the best of luck.”
The Tucson, Ariz., native spent a pair of seasons with the Wingnuts and leaves as the all-time leader in home runs (48) and second in RBI (161). In his two seasons in Wichita Ziegler hit .317 in 165 games, drew 92 walks, and racked up a .640 slugging percentage.
Ziegler is the fourth player the Wingnuts have sold to a Major League organization in 2013 and the 19th all-time.