Sidick signs contract with the Washington Wild Things
Two-time All-American becomes 40th former Pioneer to play professional ball

June 9, 2005
WASHINGTON, PA – Two-time NCAA Division III All-American and Jack Rafeld Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year Chris Sidick (Cecil, PA/Canon McMillan) became the 40th Marietta College player to sign a professional baseball contract Thursday (June 9), when he joined the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League.

Sidick will become a part of the Wild Things organization this week and be in uniform when the squad visits his former stomping grounds, Pioneer Park, for a three-game series with the Ohio Valley Redcoats. Action gets underway Saturday (June 11) at 7:05 p.m. The two teams will also battle Sunday at 6:05 p.m. and Monday at 7:05 p.m. The Wild Things are currently 8-5 and sit in a tie atop the East Division.

“We think Chris will add a nice element to this team,” said Ross Vecchio, general manager of the Wild Things. “We’ve been very pleased with his predecessors. Jay Coakley and Dave Bradley were both great players.”

The center fielder, who also excelled on the gridiron while with the Pioneers, becomes the 12th Pioneer to lace up his spikes in the Frontier League and third to do so for the Wild Things. As a senior with the Etta Express, Sidick became the 104th All-American in Marietta College baseball history. He was given third team honors.

“This is a great opportunity for Chris,” said Marietta College head baseball coach Brian Brewer. “He has all of the tools to be successful at this level and the Wild Things are lucky to have him. It will also be nice for him to get to play here at Pioneer Park this weekend.”

Sidick led Marietta in batting average (.384), slugging percentage (.768), on-base percentage (.500), runs scored (55), triples (7), home runs (12), total bases (116), walks (32) and stolen bases (26). He was also second on the team in hits (58) and RBI (40) this spring.