The former Major Leaguer Mike HARTLEY, who had joined the Heidekoepfe as new head coach earlier this winter, welcomes two fellow Americans on his roster. Heidenheim announced on Sunday the signings of outfielder/corner infielder Keith MAXWELL and shortstop Ryan LILLY.
MAXWELL is 32 years old and from Hardaway, Florida. He went to Liberty County High School in Bristol and the Florida A&M University. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 21st round of the 1997 amateur draft. He appeared in 238 minor league games (highest A+) for the organization between 1997 and 2000. He hit a combined .247 (OBP .305/.406), playing first, third and the outfield.
After his release in 2000 he played until last year for Independent League clubs. In 2007 MAXWELL was with Schaumburg and the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (just four games) of the Northern League. He batted .232 (.287/.323) in 25 games for the Flyers. He is supposed to be behind the plate for some selected games to take workload of regular backstop Simon GUEHRING. In addition to his playing time he will also serve as the hitting coach for the Heidekoepfe.
The 24-year-old LILLY is from Tucson, Arizona. He played at the University of San Diego at signed with the Chicago Cubs organization as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He appeared in 37 games at the Rookie and Single A level, batting .289 (.368/.421) with three homeruns, 21 runs scored and twelve RBI. However he suffered an injury and his career for the Cubs was over. He signed with the San Diego Waves in 2007 to finish his rehab, hitting .443 (OPS 1.184). He will split time at short and third with Andy JANZEN, but could also see time at second.
The Heidenheim finished third in the southern conference of the Baseball-Bundesliga last season and reached the semi-finals, losing to Regensburg.
Statistics:
Keith Maxwell
Ryan Lilly
