May 29, 2007

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - Former Northern Illinois pitcher Joe Piekarz has signed a contract with the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League. The lefthander had spent his professional career in the Oakland Athletics organization, most recently with the Kane County Cougars, after signing professionally.

Piekarz on eight games and posted a 3.26 ERA as a starting pitcher for the Cougars in 2006. While at NIU, he was first-team All-MAC selection and three-time Pitcher of the Week in 2004. That year, Piekarz set school season records with nine wins, 96 strikeouts and 116.1 innings.

The Flyers are 11 games into their 2007 season and play at Alexian Field in Schaumburg.