The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball

(Bridgeport, CT – May 8, 2009) – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signings of pitcher Gary Knotts and outfielder Tyrone Pendergrass. Knotts, a former Major Leaguer has had one tour of duty in the Atlantic League with the Newark Bears in 2007. In 16 starts, he went 7-5 with a 2.65 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 108 innings of work. Pendergrass enters his 15th season of professional baseball and first in the Atlantic League. Last year, the South Carolina native played for Independent San Angelo of the United League. In 71 games, he batted .336 with 62 runs scored and 21 stolen bases, while posting a .416 on-base percentage.

“These two players will play an integral role with the Bluefish this season,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “Gary brings tremendous experience to our pitching staff, while Tyrone adds a great glove in the outfield and speed to the lineup.”

Knotts has enjoyed four seasons in the big leagues, with his first appearance coming in 2001 as a member of the Florida Marlins. He would also spend the following season in a Marlins uniform before being traded to the Detroit Tigers along with Nate Robertson for lefthander Mark Redman. Following the trade, the Alabama native would post two more successful seasons in the Majors with Detroit. In 86 Major League appearances, the 32-year-old has recorded 13 victories and two save over the course of 267 innings pitched.

Pendergrass began his professional career as a member of the Atlanta Braves in 1995. Over the next four seasons, the 32-year-old showed off his blazing speed with the Braves organization. The switch-hitter stole 163 bases, including 70 swipes in 1997 as a member of Single-A Macon of the South Atlantic League. In 1998, Pendergrass had his best opportunity to get a taste of the big leagues when he was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the Major League Rule 5 draft. However, he was returned to the Braves at the end of spring training and reported to Double-A Greenville. The following year he reached the Triple-A level for the first time with Richmond. In 1146 career minor league contests, the outfielder owns a .265 average with 757 runs scored and 399 stolen bases.

In order to make room on the roster, the Bluefish have announced that outfielders Travis Ezi and Jordan Czarniecki have been released.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

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