Catcher Lance Burkhart and utility man Steve Van Note have re-signed with the Barnstormers, the team announced today.
Burkhart, 32, is one of the original Barnstormers. The two-time Atlantic League All-Star joined the team prior to spring training in 2005. Last season he batted .222 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs in 98 games.
Bringing back Burkhart was a no-brainer. He’s an integral part of the team, both on and off the field.
“With the way Burky handles the pitching staff and the quiet way he runs that clubhouse, he’s a true leader,” manager Frank Klebe said Monday afternoon.“He’s respected by his peers because of his ability and the way he goes about his work.”
Van Note, 26, will also be playing his third season in Lancaster. The University of Delaware graduate originally signed with the club in June of 2005. He batted .238 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 83 games last season, playing five different positions.
Klebe said he believes Van Note is ready to fill a bigger role.
“I’m penciling Van Note in as the everyday third baseman,” the manager said. “He has a good body. He has good tools. He’s the kind of guy if you put him at third base and let him work on his skills there on a daily basis, we think his numbers will go up.”
The Barnstormers have also made major progress with the pitching staff and are close to signing another position player with Atlantic League ties. Those announcements could be coming soon.
Glad to see Lance back. I was a little worried that when Herr left, since Lance stayed with the Herr family, that Tom would find a way to get him to Hagerstown.