The Lakeshore Chinooks have added three quality pitchers to the 2014 summer roster with the additions of Zach Grossfeld (Richmond), Will Headean (Illinois State), and David Hearne (Notre Dame). The trio of pitchers will look to build off the Chinooks’ outstanding team ERA of 3.27 during the 2013 season.
Zach Gossfeld is 6’0" left-handed hurler from Plainview, NY. Pitching out of the bullpen in 15 appearances last year as a sophomore, Grossfeld posted a 1.83 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 19.2 innings of work. After helping the Spiders and fellow Chinooks teammate Tanner Stanley in the Atlantic Ten, Grossfeld will add depth to the Lakeshore pitching staff.
Will Headean earned valuable experience in his freshman season as a starting left-handed pitcher for the Illinois State Redbirds. The 6’5" All-State selection at Morton H.S. (IL) made 16 appearances, including seven starts in his rookie season and notched 51 strikeouts in 55.2 innings of work. As a sophomore at ISU, Headean is expected to take on a significant role as the Redbirds look to repeat on their first-ever Missouri Valley Conference Championship in 2013. Headean will be prepped for the Lakeshore season as he works closely with last season's Chinooks MVP, catcher Mike Hollenbeck.
David Hearne will follow in the footsteps of Irish teammate Donnie Hissa, and looks to be a similar contributor to the Chinooks’ staff. The 6’4 righty from Homer Glen, IL pitched 44 innings as a Notre Dame freshman in 21 appearances and eight starts. Hearne will look to build upon his 4.70 ERA and 36 strikeouts as the Irish play their inaugural season in the always tough ACC. Last summer, Hearne attracted the interest of pro scouts as he was tabbed as the #2 draft prospect in the Far West League where he recorded a 2.19 ERA and 33 strikeouts in five starts for the Redding Colt .45s.
The Chinooks home opener is on May 29th at 6:35pm against the Mankato Moondogs in interleague action. The first 1,500 fans will also be given the Chinooks’ first bobblehead of minority owner Bob Uecker on the 29th. You can lock in your seat now for opening day by purchasing a season ticket package. The Northwoods League All-Star Game will take place on July 22nd at Kapco Park. Tickets for the All-Star Game will go on sale Monday, March 3rd at noon.
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.
