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Battle Creek, MI – The Northwoods League has just announced the recipients of the 2026 Rawlings ‘Finest in the Field’ Award, and the Battle Creek Battle Jacks are proud to announce that our first baseman, Thomas Cooper, has earned one of the league’s top defensive honors for his work on the field during the 2027 season.
This award recognizes the top defensive players, and with Cooper having a fielding percentage of .948, he competes with some of the top players in the league. Winners are directly selected from the final fielding statistics compiled by the league at the conclusion of every season. Returning Field Manager, Christopher Fletcher, says, “Thomas Cooper played a steady corner infield for us this summer. He took multiple reps on both corners. TC works diligently at the craft. It’s great to see the hard work Cooper put in day in and day out all summer long in Battle Creek. “
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks congratulate Thomas on his prestigious honor from Rawlings!
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 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, over 435 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).
Leveraging the 33-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League that began play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024. The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play. Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.
