Battle Creek Bombers to Add Six All-Americans to 2015 Roster

Team Announces Signings of Two Freshman All-Americans from Austin Peay

Battle Creek, Mich. – The Battle Creek Bombers have announced their first signings to the 2015 roster.  

Dre Gleason and Cayce Bredlau, two 2014 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-Americans from Austin Peay State University, will debut with the Bombers this summer. In addition, four other All-Americans will be making their way to Battle Creek this season – giving the Bombers a total of six All-Americans on their Opening Day roster.  Further information on these other players will be released in the coming weeks. 

OF Cayce Bredlau (5’10”, 190, Sophomore, Bats: L/Throws: L)

Bredlau was selected to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Freshman Team in addition to being named an All-American in 2014. As a staple near the top of the Governors’ batting order, he led the team in on-base percentage (.444) and stolen bases (14), while ranking second with a .331 batting average. The lefty’s bat picked up in OVC play, as he led the Governors with a .468 OBP and a .371 batting average during the 30-game conference schedule. While patrolling the outfield, he recorded just one error in 53 games, pacing the Governors. Bredlau also recorded 40 runs, 12 doubles, two home runs, and 21 runs batted in.

“Cayce’s speed is unbelievable, especially in the outfield,” Field Manager Robert Robinson said of Bredlau. “His range is some of the best in the country and that is going to be a huge asset for our pitching staff, especially at C.O. Brown Stadium. At the plate, he finds ways to get on base and can use his speed to put himself into scoring position.”

1B Dre Gleason (6’2”, 210, Sophomore, Bats: L/Throws: R)

Gleason hit in the five-hole for much of his first season with Austin Peay. He launched four home runs, knocked in 29 runs, and recorded nine doubles, while starting 49 of Austin Peay’s 56 games in 2014. He ranked second on the team in fielding percentage (.984), seven points behind Bredlau. Like his teammate, Gleason’s offensive production also picked up in conference play. The Governor started all 30 games, batting .276 and hitting each of his four of his home runs against conference competition.

“Dre is a big, physical lefty with a powerful bat that will be critical in the middle of the order,” Robinson said. “I expect him to have a great year on a young Austin Peay team and carry that momentum into the summer.”

Bredlau, Gleason, and the Bombers’ four other All-Americans start their summer at C.O Brown Stadium on May 26th, opening day of the Northwoods League season when the Bombers host the defending NWL Champion Lakeshore Chinnoks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods 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 120 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 (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.battlecreekbombers.com.