"Skeeter"
The Talons were featured in a recent Media Guide article due to their signing of female pitcher Jodie Hanna as an International Free agent last season. As forecasted in the article, Hanna, the club's 24th ranked prospect, was duly assigned to the Talons' rookie level team in Traverse City as a long reliever. The only trouble is, she has yet to throw a competitive pitch. This has begun to raise ire among online critics of the Hanna signing, calling the move a PR stunt and derisively referring to the 5'9", 145lb athlete as a mere "cheerleader". And her lack of innings, or even a single appearance in a game, has fueled speculation that, all along, this was just another attention-getting maneuver akin to a Subaru dealership or a Center Field Denny's.
The Traverse City Talons have played 26 games so far (winning 24 of them) and look forward to their 6th straight division title. With such a good team and expanded rosters, the fact is that two other pitchers on the squad besides Hanna have yet to throw innings themselves. TC Talons pitching coach Angel Ramirez explained. "It's called rookie league for a reason, right? All of the athletes we have here have different developmental programs. They are all on their own pace. As a matter of fact, Jodie has been working very hard to add a third pitch, and has done extensive reps in bullpen sessions and simulated games."
"As July approaches, we see Hanna pitching her share of competitive innings going forward," Ramirez said.
No matter what happens, naysayers or not, Jodie Hanna will have to prove herself on the field, just like any other player. Only time will tell if she truly belongs in the pros.
