With Opening Day in Eau Claire around the corner, the La Crosse Loggers have been conducting last-minute roster moves, including the addition of two pitchers, Drew Christo and Ryan Sleeper.
Right-handed pitcher, Drew Christo, is an intriguing prospect with high upside. The 6-4, 235-pound Elkhorn, NE. native throws a heater sitting in the low to mid 90s, complemented by three off-speed pitches. Out of high school, Christo was ranked as the No. 1 player in Nebraska and No. 18 RHP nationally by Perfect Game. As a senior, he posted a 0.43 ERA with a state-leading 92 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings, earning him the Gatorade Nebraska Baseball Player of the Year award. Christo recently wrapped up his freshman campaign with the Huskers, appearing in five games including two starts. In addition to an impressive pitching arsenal, he is an honor roll student, scoring a 35 on his ACT with plans to study medicine.
Ryan Sleeper, from Lakeville MN, is currently wrapping up his freshman year at nationally ranked Wabash Valley Junior College. At Wabash Valley, he contributed to the Warrior’s 57-6 record and a NJCAA National Tournament berth, posting a 2.63 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 13 appearances. During his prep career, the 6-4, 220-pound hurler was ranked the No. 2 LHP in Minnesota and No. 37 LHP nationally by Perfect Game. Originally a North Carolina commit, Sleeper switched paths after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and will now be heading to Lincoln next fall following his current team’s playoff run.
Christo and Sleeper will be joined by Trey Frahm (OF/RHP), another Nebraska commit, for the 2022 season. The Loggers will be travelling to Eau Claire on Monday, May 30th to battle the Express. The home opener is set for Tuesday, May 31st when the Loggers and Express travel back to La Crosse for a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Season tickets and ticket packages for the 20th anniversary season of La Crosse Loggers Baseball are on sale now. Information is available at www.lacrosseloggers.com or by calling Logger’s ticket office at 608-796-9553. Fans can also visit the Logger’s office at 1225 Caledonia Street, La Crosse between 8:30-5, Monday through Friday.
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The La Crosse Loggers 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. Having completed its’ 28th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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 280 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. For more information, visit www.lacrosseloggers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Loggers as your favorite team.
