FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kalamazoo, Mich. – On Friday, August 2, redshirt freshman infielder Gabe Springer captured the Kalamazoo Growlers career home run record, hitting his 14^th against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.

In game two of the Growlers’ doubleheader against Wisconsin Rapids, Springer smashed a two-run home run to straight-away center field. A part of a five-run fifth inning, Springer hit one of four Growlers home runs in K-Zoo’s doubleheader.

Behind his sixth of the season, Springer passes 2022-23 Growler Banks Tolley for the team record. Tolley still owns the Growlers single-season home run record of 12 which came just last season. The switch-hitter in Springer leads the team this season with 14 extra-base hits while having driven in 21 while walking 30 times.

One of 18 separate returners from the 2023 season on the Growlers 2024 roster, Springer has been a veteran bat down the stretch. Kalamazoo is back at home Saturday and Sunday finishing off the I-94 Rivalry against the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. First pitch Saturday is set for 6:35 p.m. ET.

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. Now in its’ 31^st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, 360 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner, and two-time All-MLB first-team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.  Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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 Rockers as your favorite team.