04/04/2007

Beach Bums sign speedy outfielder

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Hayes

TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Beach Bums filled their need for speed by signing former University of Cincinnati center fielder LaFringe Hayes.

Hayes, who runs the 60-yard dash in an impressive 6.5 seconds, batted .279 and had an on-base percentage of over .360 during his senior season in 2006.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Hayes hit .343 as a junior.

The leadoff hitter swiped 22 bases in 27 attempts during his two-year career with the Bearcats. He also had 21 doubles, 12 triples, three home runs, 52 RBI and scored 87 runs.

Hayes also played two seasons at the University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Sooners' 2004 College World Series tournament team.

Between his junior and senior years, Hayes played for the LaCrosse Loggers in the Northwoods League, a wooden-bat league that is considered among the most competitive college leagues in the United States. Hayes batted .260 with 12 stolen bases.

Hayes will be reunited with former Cincinnati teammate Jack Nelson, who signed with the Beach Bums after getting released from the Astros organization.

Traverse City begins its second season in the independent Frontier League on May 23 at Kalamazoo. The home opener is May 25.