In the summer of 2007, record-setting crowds discovered the truth behind the Brazos Valley Bombers’ mantra, “Summer Just Got Fun”.
In 2008, the Bombers want fans to know that the fun will continue, because “The Boys Are Back In Town!” The team unveiled its new marketing slogan for the 2008 season on Thursday, pledging that the excitement of the inaugural season will return when the team takes the field again in June.
To back up that promise, the Bombers announced the signing of three pitchers who will return from last year’s playoff squad. Starting pitchers John Touchton of the University of Houston and Clint Helms of Louisiana Tech will be joined by McNeese State’s Tyler Davis to anchor a strong Bombers pitching staff.
“Fans showed up in record numbers last season, and we want to let everyone know that it is our intention to only get better in 2008,” said Bombers co-owner Uri Geva. “For fans who experienced the excitement of Bombers baseball in 2007, you already know how much fun it can be with familiar faces like John, Clint, and Tyler. For fans that missed us last summer, this will be your chance to get out to Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark and see what everyone was talking about!”
In Touchton, Helms, and Davis, the Bombers return a trio that went a combined 8-3 with a 3.19 ERA. The three pitchers compiled more than a third of Brazos Valley’s 23 wins on the season, nearly 30 percent of the team’s strikeouts, and more than a quarter of the staff’s innings pitched.
Davis, whose enthusiasm and distinctive eye black quickly made him a Bombers fan favorite, returns after a season that saw him named to the TCL’s All-League Team. The Brazos Valley closer went 2-1 with a 1.72 ERA last season, leading the league in appearances with 31. Pitching as a redshirt freshman, Davis finished second in the league with six saves and didn’t give up an earned run until his tenth outing of the season. The College Station native was also one of six Bombers to take part in the 2007 TCL All-Star Game.
While Davis was making noise out of the pen, Touchton and Helms made their impact as starters. Touchton capped a tremendous freshman campaign by becoming the Bombers top starter at season’s end, posting a 3-0 record with a 3.03 ERA. After becoming a weekend starter in conference play for the Cougars, he continued improving throughout Brazos Valley’s season. When the Bombers came home for a must-win Game 2 of the Divisional Playoffs, it was Touchton who was tabbed for the start. The Houston native, who projects as a potential front-line Major League starter, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds after a prep career that included a state championship at Kingwood High School.
Pitching as a true freshman after being redshirted by Louisiana Tech in the spring, Helms provided several of the most dominating pitching performances of the 2007 TCL season. On July 10, he tossed the first complete-game no-hitter in Texas Collegiate League history, downing the eventual league champion Coppell Copperheads in the second game of a doubleheader. Less than three weeks later, Helms flirted with another no-no, allowing just a pair of hits and a walk while striking out eight in a nine-inning complete-game win over the Duncanville Deputies. He finished the season with a 3-2 record and 4.05 ERA, and he held opposing hitters to a paltry .200 average.
Season tickets for the Bombers 2008 campaign are currently on sale. Founder’s Club seats, the front row seating that includes in-your-seat-wait service, are available, as are reserved seats in the main grandstand. The team has also created two new season ticket options. Reserved Plus will offer fans comfortable, contoured seats in the first several rows of the grandstand, while general admission season tickets – with both adult and child/senior/student prices – are the most affordable way to enjoy all the fun of Bombers baseball. Season tickets may be purchased online at bvbombers.com, by phone at (979) 779-PLAY, or by visiting the Bombers offices at 405 Mitchell Street in Bryan.