The Lakeshore Chinooks have announced that 2013 Northwoods League All-Stars, Kyle Bouman (LSU), Ryan Krill (Michigan St.), and Sawyer Polen (Kent. St) will return for the 2014 season to lead the team’s quest for the Northwoods League Crown. The trio helped propel the Chinooks to their first playoff appearance after winning the 2nd half South Division title in 2013.
Kyle Bouman, a 5’11, 200 lb. lefty was a key cog in Field Manager Eddy Morgan’s pitching staff as he posted a 5-1 record and 3.49 ERA in 12 games. His 49 strikeouts were 2nd highest on the staff. The former Jefferson Co. Community College (MO) pitcher, signed with the LSU Tigers where he will battle for innings in 2014 on the perennial national title contender.
Ryan Krill, the starting first baseman for the Michigan State Spartans and Chinook fan favorite returns for his third tour with the Chinooks. After recording 43 hits, 2 home runs, and 26 RBI’s for Lakeshore in 2012, the powerful Krill posted a .282 batting average with 7 home runs, 11 doubles, and 39 RBI’s in 2013. “Kriller” will return to Kapco Park after his junior season with the Spartan team, for which he boasts a .291 career batting average and has started 98 games in his first two seasons.
Sawyer Polen, the team’s “Iron Man” after playing in all 73 games of the 2013 Lakeshore campaign, as well as the entire NWL All-Star Game, returns as a critical team leader. Recognized for that leadership and his passionate play, he was named the recipient of the team’s Robin Yount Award in 2013. The dependable fielding shortstop was named the NWL 2013 Rawlings’ Finest in the Field at his position and led the Chinooks with 65 hits, 40 RBI’s, 45 runs, and 20 stolen bases. Polen, who hails from Wooster, OH, will return to the Chinooks after completing his junior season for the Golden Flashes of Kent State.
The Lakshore trio treated Chinook fans to many memorable moments last summer including Bouman throwing 8 no-hit innings in his pitching debut, Krill blasting a walk-off home run to defeat the Woodchucks on July 15, and Polen making numerous athletic plays in the field. The entire organization is excited for all three to return to the Lakeshore Chinooks.
These three All-Stars will be making their return to Kapco Park for the Chinooks home opener on May 29th at 6:35pm against the Mankato Moondogs in interleague action. Opening Day will also be the Chinooks first bobblehead giveaway as the first 1,500 fans will walk away with a Bob Uecker bobblehead. Season tickets and groups ticket will be available for sale this coming Monday, February 3rd.
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com
