FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kalamazoo, Mich. – On June 14, ABCA/Rawlings named 2022-2023 Kalamazoo Growler Banks Tolley to the 2024 All-America Second Team. Banks, the senior from Appalachian State became the 19th player in App State history to be named All-America and the first since 2012.

This spring, Tolley was named the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and first-team all-conference after hitting an App State record 26 home runs. The power bat led the Sun Belt in home runs, slugging percentage (.781), and OPS (1.265) while ranking second in batting average (.379) and RBIs (77), fourth in on-base percentage (.484), fifth in runs scored (70) and tied for seventh in hits (85).

Across two seasons with the Growlers, Banks slashed .260/.369/.483, launching a franchise record 13 home runs (12 in 2023) and driving in 67 RBI. A fan and clubhouse favorite, Tolley helped propel the Growlers to its first-ever Northwoods League title in 2022 while being a part of a 2023 squad that won more games than any other team in franchise history.

In 2023, Tolley had 11 multi-hit games while driving in a team second-best 43 RBI behind 21 extra-base hits. Tolley is preparing for the upcoming MLB Draft beginning on July 14.

The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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, over 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first-team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Growlers as your favorite team.