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Published On: May 22nd, 2024

Pit Spitters Release 2024 Roster

Michigan Prospects Return and Top Tier College Programs Represented in Line-Up

 

Traverse City, MI, May 22, 2024– The Traverse City Pit Spitters have announced their roster for the 2024 season, highlighted by a combination of Michigan talent from across the state along with talented prospects from some of the most competitive programs in NCAA Baseball.

“We’ve got some great local talent on the roster this year,” said Pit Spitters Field Manager, Josh Rebandt. “Fans can expect a high-caliber product on the field this season with high-energy, impressive players who are developing for their upcoming college seasons and future baseball careers. With the recent debuts of former Pit Spitters players such as Luke Little, Gavin Stone, and Tommy Troy onto MLB rosters and farm systems, we are proving that the culture we have developed in Traverse City is propelling these kids to professional careers and Major League success. It’s exhilarating to think that Pit Spitters fans could be watching future MLB stars right here at Turtle Creek Stadium every summer!”

Headlining this year’s roster is a strong contingent of in-state talent and players from top-tier programs, listed by position:

Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP):

  1. Drew Titsworth – RHP – L/R – FR – Clemson University
  2. Jayden Dentler – RHP – R/R – JR – Western Michigan University
  3. Jaxon Huffman – RHP – R/R – FR – Michigan State University
  4. Zak Sullivan – RHP – R/R – SO – Canada College
  5. Andrew Herbert – RHP – R/R – JR – Reinhardt University
  6. Aaron Forrest – RHP – R/R – SR – Doane University
  7. Jake Brown – RHP – L/R – FR – Central Michigan University
  8. Dominic Mauro – RHP – R/R – FR – Northwood University
  9. Dylan Krause – RHP – R/R – SO – University of Dallas
  10. Seth Gurr – RHP – R/R – JR – University of Montevallo
  11. Reilly Shafer – RHP – Unknown – Clarion
  12. Ryan Daly – RHP – R/R – JR – University of St. Francis
  13. Mason Hill – RHP – Unknown – JR – Aquinas College
  14. Will Croft – RHP – Unknown – SO – East Texas Baptist University
  15. Jagger Neely – LHP – Unknown – JR – East Texas Baptist University
  16. Conor Gausselin – RHP – Aquinas College
  17. Carson Fischer – RHP – R/R – Davenport University

Left-Handed Pitchers (LHP):

  1. Nick Powers – LHP – L/L – JR – Michigan State University
  2. Grant Garman – LHP – L/L – HS SR – Oakland University
  3. Santiago Garcia – RHP – Central Arizona College

Temporary Pitchers:

  1. Sam Sethna – RHP – Otterbein University
  2. Luke Walter – RHP – Otterbein University
  3. Collin Bradley – RHP – R/R – Grand Valley State University
  4. Logan Pikur – RHP – Michigan State University
  5. Grant LaMarche – RHP – R/R – Northwood University
  6. Mitchell Grannan – RHP – L/R – Maryville University

Infielders:

  1. Jasen Oliver – IF/RHP – S/R – Indiana University
  2. Brett Denby – SS/IF – R/R – Georgia Tech University
  3. Carter Hain – 1B/3B – R/R – Oakland University
  4. Aaron Piasecki – IF – L/R – Kellogg Community College
  5. Ethan Guerra – 2B/SS – S/R – Paris JC -University of Arizona
  6. Brandon Chang – UTL/C – R/R – Brown University

Outfielders:

  1. Cole Prout – OF – L/R – Central Michigan University
  2. Michael Tchavdarov – OF – L/R – Davenport University
  3. Ethan Belk – OF – R/R – Wofford College
  4. Alfredo Velazquez – OF/LHP – L/L – University of Michigan
  5. Brett Rozman – C/UTL – R/R – Central Arizona College

Temporary Position Players:

  1. Mike Long – 1B/3B – Maryville University
  2. Mark Kattula – 1B/3B – R/R – University of Illinois Springfield
  3. Matt Earley – OF/3B – R/R – Franklin College
  4. Brody Capps – OF – Wallace Dothan Community College
  5. Corey Berry – SS – Wallace Dothan Community College – Kennesaw State University
  6. Trent Reed – SS/RHP – R/R – Lawrence Technological University
  7. JT Sokolove – OF – R/R – Illinois State University

Rounding out the defense are catchers Daniel Jackson, from Wofford College and Vahn Lackey from Georgia Tech as well as Brett Rozman and Brandon Chang from Brown.

The Pit Spitters are thrilled to welcome back several key players from last season, solidifying the team’s core strength and continuity. Among the returning athletes are RHP Aaron Forrest, LHP Nick Powers, and outfielders Cole Prout and Michael Tchavdarov. With their return and the rest of the stacked line up, the team is poised to build upon past successes and strive for even greater achievements in the upcoming season.

“This community loves baseball and Josh has put together an incredible, winning program,” said General Manager, Jacqueline Holm. “With a solid core returning, and the mix of strong pitching and formidable defense he’s created, this team is sure to have a shot at bringing the Northwoods League Championship title back to Traverse City this summer!”

In their first five seasons, the Pit Spitters have won the Northwoods League Championship twice, both in 2019 and 2021.

The Pit Spitters begin their 6th season Wednesday, May 29th, at home against the Kokomo Jack Rabbits. Group Tickets, and season ticket packages are already on sale, and individual tickets are already on sale. A 2024 schedule is attached and for more information about group outings and season ticket packages, please visit the Pit Spitters website, www.PitSpitters.com or call (231) 943-0100.

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About the Traverse City Pit Spitters:

The Traverse City Pit Spitters have been members of the Northwoods League since their inaugural season in 2019. The Pit Spitters have won two Northwoods League Championships and delivered their unique brand of FUN to hundreds of thousands of fans. The Pit Spitters share Managing Partners and principal ownership with the West Michigan Whitecaps, the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, based in Comstock Park, Michigan. The team’s home games are played in Traverse City’s favorite multi-purpose outdoor entertainment venue, Turtle Creek Stadium. For more information visit https://northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/ or contact Jacqueline Holm at 231-943-0100 Ext. 214/ or by email at JacquelineH@pitspitters.com.

About 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 two-time 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 and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.