Latest Press Releases / Media Fact Sheet / Media Assistance Request

Welcome Home: Omar Pena Returns To Worcester

April 13, 2007

Contact: Jeremy Lechan, 508-792-2288, jlechan@worcestertornadoes.com

 Worcester, MA -- The Worcester Tornadoes have announced that they have signed infielder Omar Pena and all four players selected in the Can-Am League Draft to contracts for the 2007 season.  In addition, the Tornadoes have traded IF/OF Jabe Bergeron to the Sussex Skyhawks in exchange for future considerations.

Pena, 25, re-joins the Tornadoes for the ’07 season after spending 2006 with Single-A Burlington in the Kansas City Royals organization.  He was a key member of the 2005 Tornadoes Can-Am League championship team, hitting .271 with 15 home runs, 57 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.  Pena joins Yohanny Valera as ’05 fan favorites returning to Worcester after playing elsewhere in 2006.  He is the younger brother of Tampa Bay Devil Rays First Baseman Carlos Pena.

“We’re thrilled to have Omar Pena back with the Tornadoes,” said Tornadoes President and General Manager R.C. Reuteman.  “Not only is he a good ballplayer, but he knows how to win and that will play a big part in this team getting to the next level.”

The Tornadoes have also officially come to terms with draft picks Catcher Jorge Mico and Infielders Euvi Solano, Mike McMillan and Kyle Degener.  All four players were selected at the 2007 Can-Am League Tryout Camp Draft on April 5 in Fort Myers, Florida.  The Tornadoes now have 26 players under contract for 2007.  Can-Am League rules require the roster to be down to 22 players three days before the start of the season.

Signed in mid-July of the 2006 season, Jabe Bergeron hit .262 with 1 home run and 16 RBIs in 40 games as a member of the Tornadoes.  He was one of Worcester’s hottest hitters down the stretch, notching at least one hit in 15 of his last 16 games, including a 14-game hitting streak from mid-August through early September.

Opening Day is Thursday, May 24 at 7:05pm at Quebec.  The Home Opener is Monday, May 28 vs. New Haven at 7:05pm.  For more information, call the Tornadoes office at (508) 792-2288 or visit the Tornadoes website at www.worcestertornadoes.com.