Press Release Stuttgart Reds
Stuttgart, Germany – With their first venture into the 1.Bundesliga, the Reds needed the ultimate utility player and the answer came in the form of Hagen Rätz. Rätz reunites with teammate Markus Winkler from Heidenheim Heidekopfe and will strengthen the Reds in 2012.
Rätz was a part of the 2009 German National Championship team with Winkler and in 2010 played in the European Cup finals. In 1999, he was a Junior National Team member. Rätz has played in the German Bundesliga for 10 years and holds a career .262 average in the regular season and an almost identical average in the playoffs. Rätz also has a career 4.59 ERA on the mound in the Bundesliga in 301 innings.
“Having a player like Hagen opens up so many possibilities to move players around and give us the best options possible” said Bret Helenius, Head Coach for the Reds. “He brings a hard work ethic and positive attitude to the club.”
Rätz, a switch hitter, will see time at shortstop, catcher and on the mound for the Reds in 2012. The Reds home opener is April 9 against the Mainz Athletics.