The Normal Cornbelters will start their third season at the Corn Crib in the spring, again presented by Illinois Corn Farmers. Farmers have told us that improving the public's perception of agriculture should be among our top priorities. The Corn Crib offers a way to do that.

To enhance the presence of family farmers at the Corn Crib, we've partnered with beef, pork, and dairy farmers, as well.

Messages about family farmers are also visible on the interstate to more than 70,000 people a day that travel by the Corn Crib on interstates 55 and 39. As part of IL Corn's involvement at the ball park, a new digital billboard has been installed. Be sure to look for it in your travels.

And now, here's some team news from the CornBelters.

CORNBELTERS AQUIRE MORE ARMS

Normal CornBelters acquire RHP Mike Lebo & RHP Jason Postill

Normal, IL - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, signed right-handed pitchers Mike Lebo and Jason Postill.  The CornBelters will play their first game of the 2012 season at the Corn Crib on Friday, May 18 at 6:30pm (CEFCU Opening Night).

Mike Lebo pitched at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he finished his college career with a 3-3 record, and a 5.93 ERA in 41 innings pitched. He then signed with the Arizona League Diamondbacks in June 2011.

“Mike had a lot of starts at a high level of college ball at Lehigh and several starts with Diamondbacks,” said Field Manager Chad Parker. "Mike is a big guy that is very durable and can make a lot of starts for us. He has a very high ceiling with his potential.”

Postill signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in June of 2011. He played eight games with the Missoula Osprey of the Pioneer League (Rookie) before joining the Diamondbacks of the Arizona League (Rookie). In 26 innings pitched with the Diamondbacks, he collected five saves, tallied 20 strikeouts, and concluded the season with a 6.23 ERA.

“Jason is a proven starter that I look to add to the rotation,” said CornBelters Field Manager Chad Parker. “He had a tremendous college career at the University of West Florida, and he has the makings of being a quality top-of-the-rotation starter in the Frontier League.”

THE NIBLET

There are still a few days left to help decorate the CornBelters Christmas tree!  Fans of all ages are encouraged to create CornBelters-themed (or baseball-themed) ornaments they can personally deliver and place on the tree.  In exchange for each ornament, fans will choose one gift for themselves from under the tree.  The gifts include:  autographed memorabilia, jerseys, in-game experiences and gift certificates.

The Corn Crib administrative office is located at 1000 W. Raab Rd., and is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Fans are welcome to stop by any time during normal business hours through December 22!  Please contact Ashlynne Solvie at (309) 451-3453, or asolvie@normalbaseball.com, with any questions.