 He started 2009 with Lake Elsinore, but after 11 games with a 4.50 ERA Axelrod was cut.He signed with the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Independent Frontier League, where, after he had a 2.21 ERA in 22 games with 6 saves, and being a Frontier League All Star, he drew the attention of the Chicago White Sox, signing a deal on August 2, 2009.When he made it to the major leagues, he became the second Thunderbolt to do so.