The Battle Creek Bombers are excited to announce their first signees of the 2011 Northwoods League season: University of Michigan Wolverine stand-outs Ben Ballantine, Tyler Mills, and returning 2010 Bomber Chad Jasman. This will mark the first time a University of Michigan player has signed with the Bombers. 

“All three of these guys are going to do great things for the Bombers this summer.” said Bombers GM Brian Colopy.

Ben Ballantine: 6’7-220, R/R, RHP/OF, Univ. of Michigan (So.) Napa, CA.

Ballantine joins the Bombers from UM after a successful freshman season for the Wolverines. In 11 bullpen appearances with no decisions, he tossed two shutouts and struck out 13 batters. During the 2010 summer season, Ballantine played for the Butler BlueSox of the Prospect League where he went 2-2 and fanned 49 through 57 innings. Ballantine is a Physical Education major at UM where he is enrolled in the School of Kinesiology.

 

Tyler Mills: 6’2-200, R/R, OF/RHP, Univ. of Michigan (So.-RS), Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Mills comes to Battle Creek after completing his freshman campaign for the Maize and Blue where he made multiple outfield starts. Last summer he was a member of the Lima Locos of the Great Lakes League, where he successfully hit .274, drove in 11 RBIs, walked 14 times, and put up an impressive .356 OPB. In High School, Mills was named the Gatorade Michigan Baseball Player of the Year, and also won the Louisville Slugger Michigan Player of the Year award. Majoring in Sports Management, Mills is also studying at the School of Kinesiology.

 

Chad Jasman: 6’3-185, R/R, RHP, Univ. of Michigan (So.-RS), Bay City, MI.

Jasman was a key pitcher for the Bombers in 2010, when he posted a 3-4 record, ended up with a 5.74 ERA, and struck out 24 in 48.2 innings. 2011 will be Jasman’s first season as a Wolverine; he signed with Kansas State University out of high school but transferred to Kellogg C.C. last spring where he was named a National Junior Colleges Athletic Association All-American. He is working towards his degree in General Studies, and is taking classes in the School of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

 

“I’m really excited to come back this summer.  Both Ben and Tyler are very talented players and we really think we can help the Bombers win some games this year.” said Chad Jasman.

 

The Bombers are set to begin their 5^th season on June 1, 2011 in the Prestigious Northwoods League. For tickets, fans can call (269)962-0735 or visit www.BattleCreekBombers.com.