2006-01-20 --

Kitchener Panthers sign All-Star Justin Wendt
The Kitchener Panthers are extremely pleased to announce the signing of Justin Wendt to the 2006 roster.
Justin played the 2005 season with the Hamilton Thunderbirds, hitting .386 and leading the league with 42 RBI, on his way to being named a first team all-star at first base.
The 6'4" infielder will likely hit 3rd or 4th in an already potent Pathers lineup, and will be a welcome addition to a Kitchener team looking for their first championship since 2001.
Wendt is from Waterloo, and was drafted by the New York Mets. He played single A ball for the Brooklyn Cyclones, and double AA ball for the Binghamton Mets, before joining the IBL in Hamilton last year. Originally drafted as a third baseman for the Mets, Wendt played the majority of last season at first base, occasionally starting as DH.
He was named a first team all-star last season and led the league in batting average for the majority of the season. He will likely play first base and/or third base with the Panthers.
Panthers president Darryl Rutherford commented on the Wendt signing by saying "Justin is a premier player in the Intercounty League and it is a great privilege to have him come and play with the Kitchener Panthers Baseball Club. We look forward to having him in the lineup for the 2006 season."