Fred "The Heat" Kitchens, WLB's first Triple Crown!

RBLwebguy · 05-03-2005, 11:40 PM

Thirty-three year old Frederick "The Heat" Kitchens was drafted in the 2nd round in 2003 by the Chicago Blues. Traded to the Rome Gladiators in 2007, he worked his way through the minors until making his debut in 2010 with the Glads. Kitchens was destined to be a special player playing in 155 games that season, belting out 32 HRs while driving in 107 RBI and ending up with a .276 batting average. He also had speed to burn, swiping 60 bags. That was enough to earn him Rookie of the Year.

His second season would prove disappointing for fans as he only hit 16 HR and finished with a .250 avg. Was this the sophmore jinx? The next season he hit a low .239 avg and was dealt to the Montreal Brasseurs where he would spend the next four seasons.

"The Heat" put up solid numbers during his time in Montreal, averaging 30 HR and stealing 60 plus bases per season as well as keeping his batting average above .270. However at the end of 2015, he was heading to free agency.

It was no secret that teams wanted to land this guy, a five tool player. Was he in his prime or heading into his last days of glory? The London Ravens believed enough in him to offer up a contract of $16,150,000 per year for four years.

Kitchens would not disappoint the London crowd. An instant hit he became, jumping out of the gates early. He led in most offensive categories from day one. This four time All-Star had a career year, winning two player of the week awards and three batter of the month awards! He ended up leading the Eastern Hemisphere with a .335 batting average, homeruns with 49 and edged out Berlin's Julian Maccow by one RBI topping out with 130 RBI.

Despite the awesome talants of Kitchens, the Ravens finished 2nd in thier division by the team that gave Kitchens his start, the Rome Gladiators.

Don't forget to tune into a WLB game near you!

05-03-2005, 11:40 PM	#1
RBLwebguy Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Canuckistan Posts: 5,162	Fred "The Heat" Kitchens, WLB's first Triple Crown! Thirty-three year old Frederick "The Heat" Kitchens was drafted in the 2nd round in 2003 by the Chicago Blues. Traded to the Rome Gladiators in 2007, he worked his way through the minors until making his debut in 2010 with the Glads. Kitchens was destined to be a special player playing in 155 games that season, belting out 32 HRs while driving in 107 RBI and ending up with a .276 batting average. He also had speed to burn, swiping 60 bags. That was enough to earn him Rookie of the Year. His second season would prove disappointing for fans as he only hit 16 HR and finished with a .250 avg. Was this the sophmore jinx? The next season he hit a low .239 avg and was dealt to the Montreal Brasseurs where he would spend the next four seasons. "The Heat" put up solid numbers during his time in Montreal, averaging 30 HR and stealing 60 plus bases per season as well as keeping his batting average above .270. However at the end of 2015, he was heading to free agency. It was no secret that teams wanted to land this guy, a five tool player. Was he in his prime or heading into his last days of glory? The London Ravens believed enough in him to offer up a contract of $16,150,000 per year for four years. Kitchens would not disappoint the London crowd. An instant hit he became, jumping out of the gates early. He led in most offensive categories from day one. This four time All-Star had a career year, winning two player of the week awards and three batter of the month awards! He ended up leading the Eastern Hemisphere with a .335 batting average, homeruns with 49 and edged out Berlin's Julian Maccow by one RBI topping out with 130 RBI. Despite the awesome talants of Kitchens, the Ravens finished 2nd in thier division by the team that gave Kitchens his start, the Rome Gladiators. Don't forget to tune into a WLB game near you!