fmredhawks.com

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have re-signed SS Zach Penprase to a contract for the 2014 season. It will be Penprase’s seventh season with the RedHawks.

Penprase, 29, batted .257 with ten doubles, two triples, three home runs, 36 RBIs and 81 runs scored in 97 games for the RedHawks in 2013. He was second in the American Association in stolen bases with 40 and tied for fourth in runs scored. Penprase was also among the most steady infielders in the league and posted a .957 fielding percentage in 97 games at shortstop.

2013 was a record setting year for Penprase and he climbed to the top of several career categories in both the RedHawks and American Association record books. He is now the RedHawks all-time leader in five categories: games (542), runs scored (457), stolen bases (229), walks (288) and strikeouts (440). Penprase is also the career leader in stolen bases in the American Association with 120 in three seasons.

In his first six seasons with the RedHawks, Penprase has batted .285 with 98 doubles, 16 triples, 27 home runs, 245 RBIs. He has posted a .373 on-base percentage with Fargo-Moorhead while working as the everyday shortstop.

Penprase began his professional career in 2006 after being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 13th round of that year’s draft. He signed with the RedHawks as a free agent in 2008, and had his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox organization that season.

“Good shortstops are hard to find, and Zach is a great one,” said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. “He has been a top player in our league for a long time, and he has certainly put himself up among the greats in RedHawks history.”