Thunder Bay, Ont., – The Thunder Bay Border Cats are pleased to announce another former pitcher from the 2023 Northwoods League team is turning professional.  Righthander Matthew Tippie (Texas State University) signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees organization following the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Draft.

Tippie, a 22-year-old righthander from Wimberley, Texas, appeared in five games with the Cats during the 2023 season and had an 0-1 record with a 3.38 earned run average. He struck out 24 batters in 21.1 innings pitched.  Tippie is scheduled to report this week to the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa, Florida.

Tippie joins two other former Thunder Bay teammates in the professional ranks, who were selected in the MLB Draft. Pitcher Riely Hunsaker (Lamar University) was taken in the 16^th round, 481^st overall, by the Chicago Cubs, and pitcher Peyton Fosher (University of Nevada) was chosen in the 19^th round, 558^th overall, by the Miami Marlins.

A total of 401 former Northwoods League players have reached the Major Leagues, including 15 Border Cats alumni.  Pitcher Greg Weissert is currently with the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Billy Cook has spent time this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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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. Now in its’ 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 400 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com) and 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 Border Cats as your favourite team.