Growlers land two from collegiate powerhouse Indiana University
Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Growlers today announce the signing of players Austin Cangelosi and Kent Williams from Indiana University. Indiana advanced to the final eight of the 2013 College World Series and began the season ranked third nationally.
Indiana's freshmen infielder Austin Cangelosi brings an impressive résumé to the Growlers for their inaugural season in 2014. As a high school senior (Carl Sandberg HS, Orland Park, IL) Austin earned All-Illinois honors by batting .417 with eight home runs and 24 runs batted in, to go along with 22 stolen bases. Cangelosi holds Carl Sandberg High School’s records for career runs scored and on-base percentage. Austin's father John, played thirteen years in Major League Baseball, most notably as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
At 6-1 and 190 lbs, Cangelosi brings “A lot of versatility and talent to the Growlers lineup for the upcoming season" according to Kalamazoo Growlers field manager Joe Carbone, "Austin has tremendous upside to his game and lots of potential to play different positions – 3B, SS and even some outfield. As a young freshmen on a veteran dominated team such as Indiana, Cangelosi will be an immediate contributor now, and in the future for the Hoosiers, as well as a very talented player for Kalamazoo this summer.”
Kent Williams is a 6-2, 200lb. right-handed pitcher from Noblesville High School in Noblesville, IN. Williams begins his first stint in college baseball this year after redshirting with the Hoosiers in 2013. Although battling a hand injury his senior year in high school, Williams struck out 21 batters and only allowed six walks in 25.1 innings on the mound. As a high school junior Kent earned five wins, compiled a 3.04 ERA and struck out 58 batters in 48.1 innings of work. Besides baseball, Williams finished his high school career as one of the leading wide receivers in football for the state of Indiana. Carbone adds, “Kent has a good, strong arm and his talents will definitely add to the Growlers pitching staff. William's contribution could be a mix of starts and relief work. We are excited to have both of these young and talented players from Indiana University".
The Growlers begin their inaugural 2014 season on the road as they take on the defending Northwoods League champions, the Madison Mallards on May 27th. The first home game in franchise history is on Friday, May 30th at Homer Stryker Stadium, when the Battle Creek Bombers come to Kalamazoo in the first of a five game home stand for the Growlers.
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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st 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 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com
