For Immediate Release:

July 18, 2014

PR Contact: Deborah Ann Hilton
Direct Dial: 724-250-7161
Stewart Ijames Contract Purchased by Arizona Diamondbacks
Washington, PA-From Frontier League All-Star to Major League prospect, the Washington Wild Things are
pleased to announce that outfielder Stewart Ijames contract has been purchased by the Arizona
Diamondbacks organization.
In just his second season with Washington, Ijames, a two-time All-Star, has put up stellar numbers for the
team prior to his departure. His .319 batting average led the team and his 45 RBI are just three behind the
Frontier League leader in River Citys catcher Josh Ludy (48 RBI). The left-handed power hitters 15 home
runs are also tied for the league lead with Ludy.
The Owensboro, KY native will depart for Arizona Saturday morning and will be assigned to the
Diamondbacks rookie league affiliate, the AZL Diamondbacks but is not expected to stay there long.
Right now, I am speechless and at a loss for words. This is definitely going to change my life, Ijames said in a
short interview before he left for the Wild Things locker room. Ever since I was twelve years old I told my
family and friends that I was going to be in the major leagues one day and to have another opportunity come
my way I cannot thank God enough. Its truly a blessing.
The former Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees draft selection signed with Washington in 2013 after
graduating and turning in four years for the University of Louisville baseball team. Ijames played in 90 games
as a rookie and in 316 at-bats slugged .297 with 29 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 45 RBI. Ijames
earned his first Frontier League All-Star selection that same season and was awarded the start in right field at
Washingtons home field, CONSOL Energy Park. He earned his second chance to represent the Frontier
League East Division in the All-Star Game and 2014 Home Run Derby at GCS Ballpark just three days earlier.
As for a final farewell message to his teammates Ijames smiled and said, It didnt hit home until I was
standing for the national anthem in my uniform. I cant express what this baseball team means to me. Im
walking away from family.
The Wild Things continue their postseason run Saturday against the River City Rascals at 7:05 p.m. The team
is hosting its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game, presented by COGOs, and the first 1,000 fans will
receive a Strike Out Breast Cancer Wild Things Travel Mug, courtesy of COGOs. For tickets to Saturdays game
or any other game in the 2014 season, call the front office at 724-250-9555, order tickets online at
www.washingtonwildthings.com, or visit us at the CONSOL Energy Park Box Office.
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