Utility man Ryan Kirby returns after leading La Crosse in home runs, RBI
LA CROSSE, WIS. – The La Crosse Loggers announced Wednesday that utility man Ryan Kirby, who led the club in home runs and RBI in 2014, is returning next summer, and he’s bringing talented catcher Riley Adams with him from the University of San Diego.
Kirby, a sophomore for the Toreros, emerged as a top power hitter and versatile defender for the Loggers in 2014. The 6‐foot‐1 185‐pound native of Livermore, Calif., batted .222 with six home runs and 39 RBI. Kirby played in 57 games, splitting his time between the outfield and first base. He is a former 40th round Major League Draft pick of the San Francisco Giants
(2013).
“Having a first‐class guy like Ryan Kirby come back to La Crosse next summer will be a huge asset,” Loggers General Manager Chris Goodell said. “He's a guy that puts in extra work to make himself better on a daily basis and our new players will be able to take a lot from his approach.”
Adams, a 6‐foot‐4, 200‐pound freshman, was a highly‐touted prospect at Canyon Crest High School in San Diego, Calif., and ranked 154th on Baseball America’s Top 500 prospect list in 2014, projecting as a top‐five draft pick. Adams indicated before the draft that he likely would maintain his commitment to the University of San Diego and was taken by the Cubs in the 37th
Round. Adams then showed off his talent following his senior year of high school in the Alaskan Summer League, batting .324 in 14 games.
“Riley Adams is a very special talent, one of the top freshman in the entire country and we are very excited for the opportunity to work with him next summer,” Goodell said. “His progression over a Northwoods League season will be fun to watch.”
The Loggers have built a strong relationship with the University of San Diego program. Past Toreros to play in La Crosse include Austin Bailey (2012), Corey LeVier (2011), Calvin Drummond (2010), Matt Moynihan (2010), and Chris Engell (2009).
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The La Crosse Loggers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, 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 (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS) and Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.lacrosseloggers.com.