Former Jayhawk Pitcher Freeman Joins St. Louis Cardinals
June 1, 2012
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Former Kansas left-handed pitcher Sam Freeman has been called up to the St. Louis Cardinals major league roster the club announced Friday.
Freeman will join the team in New York for the Cardinals’ three-game series with the Mets and will likely make his major league debut this weekend at Citi Field. When he does, the Kansas product will become the 23rd Jayhawk to appear in a major league game and the third active pitcher, joining Tom Gorzelanny (Washington) and Mike Zagurski (Arizona).
Freeman, a 5-foot-11 left-handed pitcher from Carrolton, Texas, pitched for the Jayhawks during the 2008 season after transferring to KU from North Central Texas College. He went 4-1 in 13 games for the Jayhawks with an 8.53 ERA, recording 20 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. He earned a win in his first Division I start, going six innings and allowing two runs on nine hits at Hawaii-Hilo on Feb. 24, 2008.
Following the 2008 campaign, Freeman was drafted and signed by the Cardinals. He started the 2012 season in Double-A with the Springfield Cardinals going 1-3 with a 1.56 ERA in 15 relief appearances. He was called up to Triple-A Memphis on May 14 and pitched in six games, posting a 4.50 ERA with five strikeouts in six innings. He was named a Minor League Midseason All-Star in 2009 as well as in 2011.
Despite starting the year in Double-A, Freeman was on the St. Louis Cardinals’ 40-man roster to open the 2012 season. He will wear uniform No. 61 for the Cardinals. He was called up to the majors after St. Louis optioned pitchers Chuckie Fick and Brandon Dickson to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.
