Slammers name Charley Lau Jr. hitting coach

JOLIET – The teachings of the legendary Charley Lau, the former White Sox hitting coach, will live on display at Silver Cross Field this summer with the signing this week of Charley Lau Jr. as the Slammers’ hitting coach.

Lau Jr. picked up where his father left off. After spending time coaching in the minor leagues, he began teaching privately to players of all ages. From little leaguers to professionals, Lau’s goal has been to carry on his father’s legacy.

After years spent breaking down the swing of players such as Alex Rodriguez, Lau has become one of the most sought-after hitting coaches in the nation. He published “Lau’s Laws of Hitting” in 2000, which remains the highest-selling baseball instructional book. He also produced a three-part DVD series called “Secrets of the Swing.”

On why he chose to join the Slammers, Lau said, “I’ve worked with individuals at all levels, and I look forward to proving that I can have the same kind of impact with an entire team. I’m excited to contribute to the overall improvement of the offense.”

Other newcomers to the Slammers’ roster include right-handed pitcher Matt Hobgood. The Glendale, Arizona native is a former first-round draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles. He was selected fifth overall in 2009 and has spent six seasons in professional baseball, advancing to Double A with the Orioles.

He has battled injuries and comes to the Slammers for an opportunity to start and prove to major league teams he is healthy.

“We are happy to have Matt join our club and hope this is a stepping stone for him to make his way to the big leagues,” Slammers manager Jeff Isom said.

Alex Moore, another right-handed pitcher, comes to the Slammers after being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014. Moore quickly moved up to A-Advanced Brevard County. The McCordsville, Indiana native sat out last season and will compete for a bullpen spot.

“For a player to get drafted and make the jump to High A and throw as well as he did, it’s pretty impressive,” Isom said.

Kevin Simmons from Selma, Alabama and Tyler Levine of East Meadow, New York also will compete for spots on the staff. Simmons was an Arizona Diamondbacks farmhand and averaged almost a strikeout per inning and less than a hit an inning. Levine stood out at a workout with a good changeup that he commanded well.

Melvin Rodriguez of Manati, Puerto Rico is a new infield candidate for the Slammers. He hit .422 with 65 RBIs in 58 games last season at Jackson State, was a first-team All-American and was drafted in the 18th round by the Washington Nationals.

“I like his power numbers and his ability to take a walk,” Isom said. “In his career, he has more walks than strikeouts.”

Players report to the Frontier League Tryout Camp and Draft on Monday and Tuesday at the Corn Crib in Normal.

Players begin reporting for spring training Wednesday.

The Slammers have home exhibition games May 7, 9 and 10, begin the regular season May 12 at Windy City and have their home opener May 17.