(Rochester, Minn.)— The Rochester Honkers announced today the signing of infielder Jacob Thomas from the University of California-Davis, for the 2016 Northwoods League season.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound junior from Stockton, Calif. is the starting shortstop for UC Davis. After starting four of their first five games and batting second in the lineup, Thomas is second on the team in hitting at .313. He’s also collected two RBIs and one double.
Thomas comes to UC Davis after spending two years at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. He finished his sophomore season hitting .294 with nine doubles, two triples and 25 RBIs. He also converted 9 out of 12 stolen base opportunities.
A 2013 graduate of Bear Creek High School, Thomas finished his senior season hitting .410 with three doubles, five triples and 24 RBIs. He also scored 27 runs and stole 13 bases. Thomas was named the team’s MVP both as a junior and senior to go along with his first team All-League and second team All-Area honors.
UC Davis is in action this weekend when they travel to Santa Clara, Calif. for the Jack Gifford Memorial Tournament, with games against Santa Clara, Saint Joseph’s and Utah Valley.
The Rochester Honkers 23rd season begins on May 31st when the team travels to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to take on the Express. The following night, Wednesday, June 1st, the Honkers battle the Express in their home opener at Mayo Field at 7:05 pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information. The Honkers are also looking for host families for the 2016 season and ask all interested parties to call the business office for more information.
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.