Jebb, Beshears, Pivaroff and Crenshaw Advance to the Big Leagues
Four former Kenosha Kingfish players had their names called in the 2023 MLB Draft. From July 9-11, Mitch Jebb, Jay Beshears, Blake Pivaroff and Wyatt Crenshaw got the phone call every kid dreams of.
General Manager Ryne Goralski said he is delighted with the reputation the Kingfish have built since their inaugural season in 2014.
“As an organization, we are incredibly proud that Kenosha has become a home for premier talent in the summer,” Goralski said.
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Mitch Jebb (Michigan State) in the second round with the no. 42 overall pick; this is the earliest that a Kingfish player has ever been selected in the draft.
The contact hitter was top three on the Spartans in batting average (.337), on-base percentage (.438) and stolen bases (14).
Jebb built that reputation in his 2021 season with Kenosha, as he hit .260 with 15 stolen bags in 49 games.
In the sixth round, the San Diego Padres used the 191st overall pick to select Jay Beshears (Duke).
The Naples, FL native led the Blue Devils in AVG (.333) and OBP (.438), and had entered the transfer portal when he registered a .397 OBP with Kenosha in 2022.
The Detroit Tigers selected Blake Pivaroff (Arizona State) in the 19th round with the 560th overall pick.
The righty registered a 4.18 ERA in 32 and a third innings of work with the Sun Devils this past spring. He allowed just one run in six innings of work for the ‘Fish in 2022.
The Arizona Diamondbacks picked Wyatt Crenshaw (Arizona State) just five picks later at no. 565 overall to round out the former Kingfish players who had their name called.
The 23-year-old belted nine homers with 32 RBI and registered a .264 AVG in 53 games this past spring. He logged a .312 AVG in 19 games for the ‘Fish in 2021.
Goralski gave credit to all levels of the Kingfish organization after another year of success for players that once stepped onto Historic Simmons Field.
“It is a testament to our coaches, staff, fans and players how hard everyone has worked for the Kingfish to produce major league talent.”
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The Kenosha Kingfish 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’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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 325 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 (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB 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.kingfishbaseball.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.
