Waterloo, Iowa – Former Waterloo Bucks infielder Zach McKinstry was named to the American League All-Star team, becoming the first former Buck to be named a Major League All-Star. The Detroit Tigers infielder replaces Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña on the AL roster.
McKinstry, who played collegiately at Central Michigan University, played for the Waterloo Bucks in 2015. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB draft. In 2015 with the Bucks, McKinstry played in 58 games and hit .281 with three triples, nine doubles and three home runs. He drove in 21 runs and stole eight bases.
This season for Detroit, McKinstry is hitting .286 with seven home runs, 28 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. This is McKinstry’s sixth season as a major leaguer and he is one of 23 former Bucks to play in the majors.
The Bucks will start a four-game homestand tonight with a 6:35 pm tilt versus the St. Cloud Rox. Tickets are available by calling the Bucks Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633 or online at waterloobucks.com. Bucks team ownership has invested nearly $500,000 in stadium improvements over the last decade including an LED video board, group outing areas, painted bleachers, public Wi-Fi, sound system, kids zone inflatables, wiffle ball field, and concessions equipment. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com or utilizing the Northwoods League Mobile App.
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The Waterloo Bucks 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’ 32nd 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 380 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), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bucks as your favorite team.