2004 Bowman, Chad Blackwell

#BDP101 Chad Blackwell

Here is another card that I got signed at an independent game. I got it signed at a Kansas City T-Bones game in 2009 while Chad was playing for the Joliet Jackhammers. Like most of the autographs I get at T-Bones games, I got this one while Chad was heading from the clubhouse (in rightfield) to the field.

Chad was drafted by the Royals out of South Carolina in the sixth round of the 2004 draft. Like the rest of the guys in the Draft Pick and Prospect set, he signed fast enough to play in 21 Pioneer League games where he posted an ERA of 3.27 in 21 appearances while notching 7 saves. He did even better the following year in the Midwest League when he posted a 2.23 ERA in 48 games while saving 14.

Following the 2005 season, Chad was dealt to the Pirates in a package that landed the Royals their 2006 All Star, Mark Redman. That began a merry-go round career for Chad.

He lasted in the Pirate organization for all of one year and he posted a 5.66 ERA while spending most of his time in the Carolina League. The following season was split between the independent Northern League and the Florida State League as a Dunedin Blue Jay. I'm guessing he started the year in Gary since he was still in the Blue Jay organization the following year. He spent 2008 with Dunedin again and posted a 3.18 ERA there. But, in 5 games at the AA level, he posted a 9.39 ERA in 7.2 innings.

He found himself in AA again in 2009, this time with the Angels Texas League team, that Arkansas Travelers. He lasted 8 games and he posted a 9.26 ERA in 11.2 innings. He was then cut loose and that is when he joined the Joliet Jackhammers.

Chad spent 2010 in the independent Golden Baseball League with the Edmonton Capitals. He had a 3.40 ERA and recorded a career-high 19 saves, which tied him for second in the league.

I like Chad's t-shirt on this card.