Former RiverHawk opens his 11th Professional Season

LOVES PARK, Ill. – Former Rockford RiverHawk Justin Dowdy opens his 11th professional season on the far side of the country from San Francisco, but just two levels from the major leagues.

The Giants have assigned the left-handed pitcher to their Class AA Eastern League affiliate, the Richmond (Va.) Flying Squirrels. It's the 13th minor-league team for Dowdy, who was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and spent parts of two seasons with the RiverHawks.

Dowdy even popped up in a big-league box score this spring. He made an appearance for the Giants in an exhibition game against Kansas City on March 25.

Dowdy, who pitched for the RiverHawks in 2003-04, was a two-time Frontier League All-Star. Dowdy, who was drafted by the White Sox in 2001, is with his seventh major-league organization. He has also pitched for the San Diego, Seattle, Anaheim, Oakland and Tampa Bay organizations. Dowdy signed with the Rays late last season and was plucked off the Class AA Montgomery roster by the Giants in the minor-league phase of the Rule V draft.

The southpaw holds a unique distinction – he's the only RiverHawk to be signed off the Rockford roster on two different occasions. He was signed by the Mariners at the 2003 all-star break and by the Angels at the break the following season.

The RiverHawks open their 10th season at 7:05 p.m. Friday, May 20, when they host Traverse City. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.