KALAMAZOO, MI- It’s official. Carsten Strand, the Battle Creek Bomber’s 2017 on-field host is changing cities and signing with the Kalamazoo Growlers to become their new on-field host, adding fuel to the fire between the two rivals. Strand became a fan favorite for the Bombers in 2017 and was widely raved upon by everyone from the team.

The Growlers on-field host position became available when Corey Wolfgang signed with the Detroit Tigers this offseason. The Bombers and Growlers are owned by the Northwoods League, but run independently of one another with separate front offices, coaching staffs and businesses.

Carsten said in a statement, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be with the Growlers this summer.  The atmosphere and amenities at Homer Stryker Field are a better fit and I can’t wait to take my talents to Kzoo this summer.”

Growlers Director of Entertainment, Dana Wagner said, “Carsten is a huge piece of our entertainment plan this summer.  After losing Corey this offseason, we had some serious concerns with finding a replacement.  Carsten brings experience and a whole new dynamic to the table.”

The Growlers and Bombers will face off 8 times this summer in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek in the OnStaff Group’s I-94 Rivalry Series.  The Bombers have dominated the series as of late with the team taking home the cup the past three years.  The Growlers won the first cup their first season in 2014.

###

The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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, 190 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. 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.