21-year-old third baseman Ludwig Glaser returns to the BUCHBINDER LEGIONAERE REGENSBURG and the German Baseball-Bundesliga. The 2008 champion confirmed the acquisition on Monday in a press release. Glaser was released by the Los Angeles Angels organization a few days ago after just one year in the American minor leagues. Catcher Kai Gronauer (NY Mets), first baseman/outfielder Donald Lutz (Cincinnati Reds) and pitcher Jennel Hudson (Boston Red Sox) are the remaining current German minor leaguers.
The start into his professional career in 2008 was hindered, when he was hit by pitch in the face in an extended spring training game. Glaser recovered pretty fast after the significant injury, but missed out important time in practice. He made his debut for the AZL Angels (Rookie League) on July 3rd and played in a total of eleven games for the club last summer and finished with a .222 batting average (OBP .302/SLG .306) with eight hits (2B, 3B), two runs and five RBI in 36 at bats.
He also played for the German National Team in the Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Taiwan last March and later that year for the Under-21 Team at the European Championships in Pamplona, Spain (third place). In September he helped REGENSBURG during the playoffs and German finals, winning the title for the first time in team history. Glaser already played for the club, before going into the United States.
The BUCHBINDER LEGIONAERE also announced that prospect Shawn Larry will not play for their team in 2009 after all. In January they were in talks that Larry would join the Baseball Academy in Regensburg.