Boomers Add Frontier League Veteran to Pitching Staff
SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Schaumburg Boomers presented by Wintrust Community Banks, have signed Shawn Blackwell, Kyle Arjona, Dallas Bryan and Stephen Chamblee.
Veteran right-hand pitcher Shawn Blackwell joins the Boomers with over eight years of professional baseball experience. Blackwell was drafted in the 24th round of the 2009 draft by the Texas Rangers. His affiliated career saw him play for the AZL Rangers, Hickory Crawdads, and Spokane Indians. Following time in Spokane he made stints in the Frontier League and American Association. Blackwell owns a career record of 49-47 with a 4.31 ERA.
“We are very excited to have Shawn on board with us. I’ve seen Shawn several times from the other side of the field and I’ve always loved the way he competes,” said manager Jamie Bennett. “He has the ability to be a top of the rotation or back end of the bullpen guy. His versatility and leadership will be a big asset for us this season.”
Kyle Arojna comes to the Boomers after spending the last two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. In 2019 he was with the Clearwater Threshers (A+) in the Florida State League. Aronja appeared in 23 games, pitching 42.1 innings. The right-hander finished the season with a 1-2 record, 4.25 ERA, and 30 strikeouts.
Dallas Bryan, a native of Manchester, Tennessee enters his first season as a professional. The right-handed pitcher spent the last two seasons pitching for Motlow State Community College. In 2019 he made 18 appearances, pitching 22.2 innings, and striking out 51 batters. His 12 saves were good for second in all of Division 1 of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Stephen Chamblee, a native of Tampa, Florida also enters his first season as a pro. He spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons pitching for Bryan College. The right-hander threw 170.1 innings in 31 appearances (25 starts) good for a 15-4 record in those two seasons. Chamblee is currently playing in the California Winter League for the Palm Springs Power.
“We are very excited about Stephen and Dallas joining us. Both are quality young arms that have shown some promise in helping our club this season,” said manager Jamie Bennett. “Stephen has shown some consistent success in the California Winter League thus far. I had a chance to see Dallas throw in person and really like what I saw. He is also performing well down in the Florida Winter League right now.”
The Boomers 2020 season, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, begins May 14. The Home Opener is Friday, May 22 vs. Trois-Rivieres Aigles.
Season ticket packages and group and hospitality offerings for the 2020 season can be reserved by calling (847)-461-3695 or emailing [email protected].