Mequon, WI – The nationally-ranked Louisville Cardinals will be sending out two players from their squad to experience Lakeshore this summer as right-handed pitcher Chandler Dale and catcher Colby Fitch have been added to the 2015 roster. The pair will be the first Louisville players to don a Chinooks uniform since Ty Young (2012), who now plays in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Chinooks GM Dean Rennicke commented, “The Cardinals are off to a great start this year and we’re anxious to see what these young players can do in the Northwoods.”
Chandler Dale has pitched only once this season before some injury issues, which may leave open the possibility of a red-shirt season for the freshman from Jeffersonville, IN. The 6’3 righty earned All-State honorable mention and All-Conference honors at Jeffersonville High School as he posted a 6-4 record with a 1.90 ERA during his senior season. On May 8, 2014, Dale pitched a perfect game–only the second in JHS history–when he set down 21 batters in order in an 8-0 win over Jennings County. As he works through rehab and strengthens his shoulder, Dale is excited about the opportunity to pitch for the Chinooks. “I’m looking forward to competing at a high level in a great environment and I’m excited to get to know the fans and to experience living in the community,” says Dale, who after a career in baseball would like to become a pastor.
Colby Fitch was named the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year in 2013 as a junior at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and was listed as one of the top catching prospects in the country when he committed to the Cards. The four-year letterman also racked up three All-State selections and was ranked as the top catcher in Missouri and named First Team All Central Region by Perfect Game. Fitch has seen early action for the Cardinals as he has started nine games behind the plate, posting a .237 batting average with six RBIs. Eric Snider, a UL assistant coach, has been impressed with Fitch, saying, “He's got a good approach and demeanor. Don't let his batting average deceive you. He started out slow, but we see him as 3-4 hole guy for us in the future and expect him to be a good draft choice in his junior year.” And like Dale, Fitch is a solid student with his sights set on becoming a dentist after his baseball career ends.
Both of the Cardinals will make their way to Kapco Park after Louisville’s season ends. You can catch your first glimpse of the 2015 Chinooks roster on May 28th when Lakeshore takes on the Kenosha Kingfish at 6:35pm. The first 1,000 fans will receive a 2014 championship pennant (courtesy of Port Washington State Bank) and a 2015 magnet schedule (courtesy of Professional Supply). On Opening Day, there will also be a special pre-game championship celebrate. The championship celebration week will continue on Saturday, May 30th with Championship Trophy Gill bobblehead for the first 1,000 fans (sponsored by GS Design).
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com
