Florence, Ky. – 2008 Mercyhurst College graduate James Ludwig became the second Laker to join the Frontier League this year after signing to play with the Florence Freedom over the weekend. Brian Chad, a 2007 graduate, signed with the Kalamazoo Kings in late June.
Ludwig joins a team that is 27-27 on the season and trails Eastern Division leader Kalamazoo by just 6.0 games. Florence ranks ninth out of 12 teams in earned run average but leads the league in batting average. The Freedom will likely use Ludwig as a lefty out of the bullpen. He is one of only three lefties on the team’s active roster.
At Mercyhurst, Ludwig was a first team All-GLIAC performer in 2008 and a second-teamer in 2007. He appeared in 26 of the team’s 52 games during the past season, breaking the program’s record for appearances in a season, which he held with 21 appearances in 2007. He posted a 2.63 ERA as a senior and had four saves.
During his four-year career at Mercyhurst, Ludwig pitched 140.2 innings in 76 games, recording a career ERA of 2.62 and 125 strikeouts.