The Thunder Bay Border Cats are proud to announce that pitcher Sean Heppner was selected today in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland Guardians. Heppner, a junior from the University of British Columbia, was chosen in the 12th round, 355th overall. The 21-year old native of Point Roberts, Washington, has appeared in 11 games for the Cats this season and is 1-2 with five saves and a 1.83 earned run average. The righthander has struck out 29 batters in 19 2/3 innings of work.

Heppner and manager J.M. Kelly will be available for interviews following the conclusion of tonight’s Border Cats-Rochester Honkers game at Port Arthur Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm. The Cats (9-5), trail the first place Honkers (9-3), by one game in the second half Great Plains East Division standings.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats 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. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team 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.bordercatsbaseball.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.