June 6, 2005

ST. LOUIS - Former UC Santa Barbara outfielder Skip Schumaker has been promoted from the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, to the St. Louis Cardinals, it was announced Sunday.

Schumaker, who played at UCSB in 2000 and 2001, was batting .283 in 58 games for the Redbirds. Upon his recall, he was also leading Memphis in hits with 62, at bats with 219, doubles with 13, and runs scored with 34. Schumaker also had four home runs, 14 RBI, and eight stolen bases.

"I am very excited for him," said Gaucho head coach Bob Brontsema. "He was a hard worker when he was here, and he has worked his tail off to get where he has. This is a great opportunity for him and I hope he can stick with the big club. The Cardinals took an extended look at Skip in spring training. He got into a lot of games, got a lot of at bats, and made a great impression."

As a junior in 2001, Schumaker was one of the key players on a UCSB team that posted a 40-17 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. That season, he he was a first team All-Big West selection, and he became just the fourth player in school history to bat .400. In fact, Schumaker hit exactly .400, the fifth-highest mark ever. In addition, he tied the school record for hits in a season with 100, and he set a school record with 250 at bats. Also, his doubles total of 19 ranks ninth all-time, and he had 65 runs scored, the sixth-best mark ever. Schumaker also added three triples, one home run, 41 RBI, and 22 stolen bases from his leadoff spot.

Schumaker is the first UCSB player from the 2001 squad to make the Major Leagues.