OF Dan Swain & INF Matt Simmons Headed to the Creek

Battle Creek, Mich. – The Battle Creek Bombers have announced the signings of two additional 2014 Louisville Slugger All-Americans, outfielder Dan Swain from Siena College and corner-infielder Matt Simmons from Gardner Webb University. This gives the Bombers a total of six former or current All-Americans on a massively revamped 2015 roster.  

OF Dan Swain (6’0”, 185, Sophomore, Siena, Bats: R/Throws: R)

Swain, along with being named a Freshman All-American, was picked second-team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and was tabbed the MAAC Freshman of the Year in 2014. He played a crucial role in the Saints’ best season in 15 years, which included a MAAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Swain’s .293 batting average, 12 extra base hits, 12 stolen bases, and 27 RBIs all ranked in the top three on the team. He also posted a .988 fielding percentage, while starting 59 of Siena’s 60 games.

“On the field, Dan’s defense is suburb, he has solid speed on the base paths, and he has an understanding of how to play in a big outfield like the one at C.O. Brown Stadium,” Field Manager Robert Robinson said. “Off the field, he shows a commitment to the game that will be huge in our clubhouse.”

1B/3B Matt Simmons (6’1”, 215, Sophomore, Gardner Webb, Bats: L/Throws: R)

On top of being named a freshman All-American, Simmons also earned second-team All-Big South Conference honors in his first season with the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Simmons led Gardner Webb in batting average (.308), while starting 42 games at first base, third base, and designated hitter. He also ranked second in slugging percentage (.415) and OPS (.777), third in extra base hits (13), and fourth in RBIs (22).

Last summer, Simmons played 42 games for the Morehead City Marlins of the Coastal Plain League, accumulating 30 hits, 15 runs, and 14 RBIs.

“Matt brings a tremendous left-handed power bat to our lineup,” Robertson said of Simmons. “I except he will have a great summer on the field and be one of the leaders in our clubhouse.”

Be sure to catch Swain, Simmons, and the Bombers’ four other All-Americans at C.O. Brown Stadium this season. The Bombers open up play on May 26th, opening day of the Northwoods League season, when they host the defending NWL champion Lakeshore Chinooks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Tickets, Mini-Plan information, and Group Outings are now available by calling the front office at (269)-962-0735 or by emailing info@battlecreekbombers.com

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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.