Aloha Ka Punahou 2004.12
Abe "Ape" Colbert snagged from Chicago
Hawaii signs 27-year-old knuckleballer
Holds RHML single game record for Ks
Abe Colbert was once the rage of the Windy City. Picked seventh overall in the first round
of the 1999 amateur draft by the Black Sox, Colbert was ranked #27 prospect in each of the
next two seasons and #5 prospect for 2002.
Called up that season, perhaps prematurely, Colbert had an 8.68 ERA in 18.6 innings.
He also set an RHML single-game record for strike outs with 18 against Hawaii's Triple-A
affiliate Death Valley on a hot June day when the butterfly had an exceptional case of the
hiccups.
The Illinois native was courted by Hoot all 2002 but the Black Sox GM Tim Brown refused to
part with the "Ape." Colbert had signed for over a $1m bonus and was hot stuff in the Sox
system. That system is now so flooded with pitching prospects that Colbert was waived.
In three seasons for Chicago Colbert threw 40 innings, allowing 10 home runs and 65 hits.
ERA? 9.00. Hawaii feels the Ape is still untested. He was 6-6 in 17 games started last season in
Triple-A with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
Hawaii team spokesperson Stitch Lilo has said that Colbert's knuckler should show an extra bit
of movement in the O'ahu winds.
