January 23, 2013 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom FLORENCE, KY- The Florence Freedom have officially signed their first player for the 2013 season. Right-hander Brandon Mathes will report to spring camp in late April for his third year in a Freedom uniform.

Mathes, a 26 year-old right-hander from Mustang, Oklahoma, will begin the season in a starting role. In 2012, Mathes appeared in 35 games both as a starter and a reliever.

During the 2012 campaign, Mathes transitioned from the bullpen to a starting role. These roles saw him compile a record of 4-0 in 8 starts while carrying a 3.61 ERA.

Manager of the Freedom, Fran Riordan, commented, "He's been an integral part of our staff and established himself as one of the most dominant starters in the league last year after making the transition from the bullpen. He's a great guy to build a pitching staff around."

Riordan and the Freedom went on a 13-1 run down the stretch in 2012 to secure the franchise's first playoff appearance. The team was one win away from capturing its first Frontier League Championship in team history.

During the playoff run, Mathes was an integral part of the team's success, throwing 20.2 innings while accumulating a 3.48 ERA.

The Freedom are currently gearing up for 2013, with opening day falling on a Thirsty Thursday, May 16, against the River City Rascals. Ticket packages, season tickets and group outings are available now by calling UC Health Stadium at 859-594-HITS.

The Freedom are members of the professional Independent Frontier League, and play all home games at UC Health Stadium, located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, Kentucky.

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Freedom Bring Back Right Hander Brandon Mathes