Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, members of the Northwoods League, have announced outfielder Connor McClain will return to Waterloo for his fourth season in 2014.  McClain, a junior at Indiana State University, is the first player to be named to the Bucks’ roster for the team’s 20^th season.

Last year for Waterloo, McClain played in 60 games, hitting .322 with two home runs and 45 RBI.  The 6’1”, 190-pounder stole 12 bases, with 20 doubles which were the second most in the NWL and the fourth most in a season in Bucks history.  McClain put together a 15-game hitting streak last season and had a 30-game on-base streak, which was tied for the longest in the league.

McClain’s first year with the team was 2011, as he hit .269 in six games.  In 2012, the Waterloo, Iowa native .375 in 26 games.  For his career with the Bucks, McClain owns a .332 average in 92 games.  His name is peppered throughout the Waterloo career record book, as McClain is tied for fourth in doubles (27), fifth in triples (5), tied for seventh in runs (81), ranks seventh in RBI (68), and eighth in walks (57).

"Connor is a tremendous teammate and a leader in our clubhouse," said Bucks general manager Dan Corbin. "Along with that, Connor just hits the ball consistently, something that helped bring us a new NWL-record 51 wins in 2013.  Heading into 2014, he’ll be our leading returning hitter and we are happy to have a Waterloo native not only suit up, but excel as a Buck.”

Last season for the Sycamores, McClain was hampered by injuries, hitting .255 in just 21 games.  McClain drove in nine runs and finished with a .387 on-base percentage.

Born March 23, 1992, McClain attended Waterloo West High School where he was a two-time first team All-State and All-Conference selection.  Connor is the son of Kevin and Kathy McClain.

The Bucks will open the 2014 season on the road versus the Rochester Honkers on May 27, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus Rochester on May 28.  Season tickets and group outings are currently on sale.  For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633.  Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21^st 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 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.

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