BATTLE CREEK, MI- Carsten Strand, the Battle Creek Bomber’s 2017 on-field host has informed the team he has signed with the Kalamazoo Growlers to become their new on-field host, adding fuel to the fire between the two rivals. Strand became a fan favorite for the Bombers in 2017.

The Bombers and Growlers are owned by the Northwoods League, but run independently of one another with separate front offices, coaching staffs and businesses.

Carsten said in a statement via the Kalamazoo Growlers media outlets, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be with the Growlers this summer.  The atmosphere and amenities at Homer Stryker Field fit better with my abilities and I can’t wait to take my talents to Kzoo this summer.”

Bombers General Manager, Tyler Shore said, “It’s a bit of a slap in the face with a month before the start of the season, but we are looking to the community to find someone that will become the face of the team at our games. We will come through for our fans.”

The Growlers and Bombers will face off 8 times this summer in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek in the OnStaff Group’s I-94 Rivalry Series.  The Bombers have dominated the series as of late with the team taking home the cup the past three years.

The Bombers are holding on-field host and mascot tryouts on May 6th at C.O. Brown Stadium from 11am-1pm.  Those interested can fill out the form below to RSVP for the tryouts and learn more about the positions.

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The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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, 190 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.battlecreekbombers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Growlers as your favorite team.