Black is the 106th Northwoods League player to reach the Major Leagues
Rochester, MN – Former La Crosse Logger Vic Black was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, July 23. Black is the 106th former Northwoods League player to reach the Major League level.
Black, who played collegiately at Dallas Baptist University, played for the La Crosse Loggers during the 2007 season, and was drafted by the New York Mets in the 41st round in 2006 and then again in the 1st round (49th overall) by the Pirates in 2009.
During the 2007 season Black went 2-0 with a .68 ERA in three games before leaving to try out for Team USA. Black also struck out 16 batters in 13.1 innings pitched during his time with the Loggers.
Black began his minor league career in 2009 with the State College Spikes of the New York Penn League and went 1-2 with a 3.45 ERA in 13 games.
From 2010 through 2012 Black spent time at low A West Virginia, high A Bradenton and in AA with Altoona.
During the 2013 season Black was in AAA with the Indianapolis Indians. He had compiled a 1-2 record and 2.31 ERA over 29 games. Black also struck out 51 batters in 35 innings and had recorded 15 saves.
Black was called up from Indianapolis when Pirates closer Jason Grilli was placed on the disabled list with a forearm strain. Former Duluth Huskie Mark Melancon is replacing Grilli in the closer’s role.
During the game on Thursday,July 25, Black made his Major League debut entering in the bottom of the eighth inning replacing Vin Mazzaro. Black walked Jayson Werth before striking out Ian Desmond to end the inning. He was replaced to start the ninth inning by Bryan Morris.
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. 106 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).
