Published On: June 24th, 2013
Sanchez is the 103rd Northwoods League player to reach the Major Leagues
Former Battle Creek catcher Tony Sanchez was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Sanchez is the 103rd former Northwoods League player to reach the major league level.
Sanchez, who played collegiately at Boston College, played for the Battle Creek Bombers during the 2007 season, and was drafted by Pittsburgh fourth overall in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
During the 2009 season Sanchez hit .269 in 61 games. Sanchez also hit 17 doubles, 3 home runs and drove in 30 runs during his time with the Bombers.
Sanchez began his minor league career in 2009 in short-season rookie ball with the State College Spikes of the New York Penn League. He only spent 4 games there before being promoted to West Virginia in the South Atlantic league. After 41 games with West Virginia he was promoted to High A with the Lynchburg Hillcats to finish the season. Sanchez ended his first pro season hitting .309 with 7 home runs and 48 runs driven in.
From 2010 through 2012 Sanchez steadily progressed through the Pirates system. During the 2012 season Sanchez spent time at AA in Altoona and AAA with Indianapolis. He hit a combined .251 with 8 home runs and 43 RBI between the two teams.
During the 2013 season Sanchez was hitting .306 with 9 home runs and 35 RBI for the AAA Indianapolis Indians. He also has a .973 fielding percentage behind the plate.
In his first Major League start on Sunday, against the Angels, Sanchez hit a ground rule double in his first Major League at bat off of Joe Blanton. He ended up finishing 1 for 3 on the day as the Designated Hitter.
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season marks the 20th season of Northwoods League baseball. 103 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals).

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