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Midwest Sliders

First season: 2008

Years in league: 2008-present

Ballpark: none (2008); Oestrike Stadium (2009)

On November 29, 2007 the Frontier League announced that the Slippery Rock Sliders would play the 2008 season entirely on the road. They were known as the Midwest Sliders and competed in the East Division.

Playing the entire season on the road seemed to drain the team. Despite several impressive individual performances, the 2008 Sliders finished with the worst record in the league at 29-67. Leading the offense were experienced Frontier League players like OF Anthony Albano (.258-8-52), CF Zack Pace (26 steals) and 1B Bryan Vickers (13 homers). Among the top newcomers were 3B Miguel Magrass (.252-11-41) and OF Jonnie Knoble (26 steals).

The pitching was outstanding at times. The best of the starters was Kyle Kearcher (7-7, 4.35) while Ryan MacFarlane had a 4-5 record with a sparkling 2.92 ERA. Chris Rubio (1-9) and Mark Suchowiecki (2-8) were the other primary starters. James Albury, Jon Dandridge and Shane Sveda all saw considerable duty out of the bullpen, but the star there was closer Earl Oakes. With a fastball reaching into the mid-90s, Oakes ranked second in the league in the Rolaids relief pitcher standings. Between his 14 saves and five wins he had a hand in 66% of the Sliders' victories.

The Sliders played the 2009 season at Oestrike Stadium in Ypsilanti, MI, the home field of Eastern Michigan University. They are slated to move into a new ballpark in Waterford, MI in 2010, when they will be reborn as the Oakland County Cruisers.

Oestrike Stadium in Ypsilanti Michigan, home of the Midwest Sliders Of Ypsilanti.

Major Award Winners: none

Sliders Post-Season All-Stars: none

Players on FL Tenth Anniversary All-Star Team: none

Franchise Player: Flamethrowing closer Earl Oakes saved 14 games and won five, while striking out 64 hitters in 45 2/3 innings.

Sliders in the majors: none