July 26, 2007 JOE THATCHER TRADED TO SAN DIEGO PADRES, JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE CLUB SAN DIEGO - Former Indiana State left-handed relief pitcher Joe Thatcher has been traded to the San Diego Padres from the Milwaukee Brewers organization. As part of the deal, Thatcher is being promoted directly to the Padres from the minor leagues. Thatcher last played for Indiana State in 2004, when he received work as the Sycamores’ closing pitcher. This season Thatcher has been playing for the Nashville Sounds, a Triple-A affiliate of the Brewers. In 24 games of action with the Sounds, he compiled a record of 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA. Thatcher recorded one save this season while striking out 33 batters in just over 21 innings of work. He began the 2007 campaign with Huntsville of the Southern League, where he pitched in 14 games, putting together a 1-0 record and a miniscule 0.55 ERA. Thatcher joined the San Diego Padres of the National League’s West Division as part of a trade that sent Scott Linebrink to the Brewers. Thatcher is one of three minor league pitchers that were sent to the Padres in the trade. As part of the deal, the 25-year old Thatcher is being sent directly to the Padres in becoming the 26th former Indiana State Sycamore to see action in the Major Leagues. Thatcher is currently the only former Sycamore with a major league team. His first action could come this evening as the Padres are set to begin a four-game set at 8:05 p.m. (ET) at the Houston Astros. The game can be seen locally by any subscriber of the Major League Extra Innings pay-per-view package. All Padres games are also available on the MLB TV package. More information is located at www.mlb.com. Thatcher is the son of Phil Thatcher, who was the first recruit for former head coach Bob Warn at Indiana State. Thatcher’s sister, Anne, is currently a senior member of the Indiana State women’s basketball team.
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