The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed catcher/first baseman Isaac Wenrich to a 2017 contract and have invited outfielder Matt Hibbert to spring training, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.
Both have been stars in the independent Pacific Association over the past few years.
Wenrich, 28, finished seventh in the league with 52 RBI last season while playing for the Sonoma Stompers. He carried a .268 average with five home runs, adding 11 doubles.
In his previous two Pacific Association campaigns, the PA native clubbed 19 home runs in 419 at bats over 110 games.
Wenrich has also played for 1 ½ seasons with Florence of the Frontier League. He played collegiate baseball at Division II Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, which also produced former Lancaster outfielder Kevin Rivers.
“Wenrich is a lefty power bat that (hitting coach) Josh Bell saw out in Arizona,” said Peeples. “It’s always good to have an extra catcher on hand, especially early.”
Hibbert, 29, has won the stolen base crown in the Pacific Association in 2015 (with 32) and 2017 (with 36) and finished second behind current Barnstormer Darian Sandford in 2016. Over his four years with Sonoma, the product of Long Beach State has swung at a .291 clip, peaking at .306 in 2015.
In addition to the stolen base titles, Hibbert also led the Pacific Association with 76 runs scored in 2017. He has scored 240 runs in 247 games in that league.
Hibbert has also played in the North American League and for Gary in the American Association.
“We got some video on Hibbert, and he looks like he has some ability,” said Peeples. “Josh Bell has worked with him, too, and has spoken very highly of him. He brings some more speed to the club.”
“Both guys are very hungry and glad for the opportunity to be here,” Peeples added.