Oak Lawn native is the team’s DH and hitting coach…
(Joliet, IL) – Erik Lis has seven years of professional baseball experience. In 2012 he’ll utilize that experience as the Joliet Slammers’ Designated Hitter and hitting coach.
The idea was proposed by VP of Baseball Operations Ron Biga, who noticed how well Lis interacted with the younger players in 2011.
“I know Erik wants to one day be a hitting coach in affiliated baseball,” Biga said. “What better place for him to start his career than here? It’s practical for us because he’s going to be used mostly as a DH so he’ll be facing the same pitchers our other hitters are facing. He can share with them tips throughout the game based on what he’s noticing at the plate.”
Lis, 28, emphasizes that he wants every hitter on the team to have fun and not make hitting any harder than it already is by putting too much pressure on themselves.
“If guys want to come in early for some extra batting practice, I’ll be there to help them,” Lis said. “Getting quality at bats, squaring the ball up, if they’re doing that, they’re doing it right.”
Lis hit .302 with a team-leading 20 home runs and 77 RBI in 2011.
The Slammers play their home opener on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:05 p.m. against the Traverse City Beach Bums. The 2011 championship team will be honored with a ring ceremony before the game and a post-game fireworks show will entertain fans afterward.
