The Kalamazoo Growlers are excited about the recent commitments of OF Troy Montgomery and RHP Jake Post from Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State, for the 2014 season.

Jacob Post (Left): 6’2” – 190lb, RHP, Ohio State University (Soph.), Chesterton, IN             

Troy Montgomery (Right): 5’9”- 160lb, OF, Ohio State University (Fr.), Fortville, IN

The upcoming 2014 Growlers season marks the first year of summer baseball for Ohio State right-handed pitcher Jake Post. Post hails from Chesterton, Indiana where the 6’2” pitcher played three seasons of varsity baseball at Chesterton High School. An all-state and all-region selection his senior year, Post was a 29^th round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2012 MLB draft. 2013 marked the first year of college baseball for Post as he enjoyed a successful year in which he won 2 and lost 1 in eight appearances – seven as a starter. Post’s numbers that season included a 4.99 ERA in 30.2 innings with 26 strikeouts. Jake currently holds a 2-1 won-lost record in seven appearances this his sophomore season, with a fine 2.96 ERA in a mix of starts and relief appearances. “I had the chance to see Jake pitch already this spring,” said Growlers field manager Joe Carbone. “Jake throws strikes and also has a great breaking ball. His fastball ranges from out in the high 80s to the low 90s. Not only is Jake is a talented pitcher, but a true competitor, and should be a key contributor to our starting rotation in 2014.”

Troy Montgomery brings a range of talents to the Growlers, his first year in summer baseball. “There is a lot to like about Troy,” said Carbone. “He runs well, has a great arm in the outfield, plays solid defense, and is gifted with a nice short batting stroke with power. I can definitely have Montgomery play all three outfield positions for us this year.” As a four-year starter for Mt. Vernon High School (Fortville, IN) Montgomery garnered three all-conference honors as well as all-state and all-state honorable mention his senior and junior years respectively. The freshman Buckeyes outfielder is in the top five in several offensive categories (extra base hits, RBI’s and slugging percentage) and is flawless in the outfield through 22 games for Ohio State.

Post and Montgomery have been big parts of helping the Buckeyes to a 17-10 team record so far in 2014.

The Growlers begin their inaugural 2014 season the road as they take on the defending Northwoods League champions, the Madison Mallards on May 27^th. The first home game of the year is on Friday, May 30^th at Homer Stryker Stadium, when the Battle Creek Bombers come to Kalamazoo in the first of a five game home stand for the Growlers.