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Midwest League 2018 3 4 Midwest League 2018 INDEX Contents All-Star Game – 2018 ................................................................................... 4, 96 All-Star Game – 2017 Results .......................................................................... 14 All-Star Team – 2017 Post-Season .................................................................. 17 Attendance – 2017 Totals ................................................................................. 14 Awards – 2017 League ..................................................................................... 16 Board of Directors............................................................................................. 10 Credits .............................................................................................................. 95 Divisional Alignment ......................................................................................... 57 Fielding Leaders – 2017 League ...................................................................... 18 Ground Rules ............................................................................................. 62–68 Individual Performances of Note – 2017 .......................................................... 16 Message to the Media ...................................................................................... 95 Midwest League Administration ........................................................................ 10 Mileage Chart and Map .................................................................................... 56 Minor League Baseball Welcome Letter ............................................................. 7 Minor League Baseball Administration ..............................................................11 MWL Welcome Letter ......................................................................................... 6 Newspaper Directory .................................................................................. 59–60 Offensive Leaders – 2017 League ................................................................... 17 Past League Presidents ................................................................................... 10 Pitching Leaders – 2017 League ...................................................................... 18 Players of the Week – 2017 League ................................................................ 15 Players of the Month – 2017 League................................................................ 16 Playoffs 2017 Results ....................................................................................... 17 Playoffs Brackets/Schedule .............................................................................. 57 Playoffs Qualifying Conditions .......................................................................... 58 Recordbook Index ............................................................................................ 71 Rules of Interest ......................................................................................... 19–21 Schedule – 2018 Composite ...................................................................... 54–55 Standings – 2017 League Final ........................................................................ 12 Statistical Provider ............................................................................................ 95 Team Directory ........................................................................................... 22–53 Television Directory .................................................................................... 60–61 Advertisers AMI Graphics ...................................................................................................... 3 Baker Tilly ........................................................................................................... 8 Baseball America .............................................................................................. 92 Bimm Ridder ..................................................................................................... 13 Fans For The Cure ........................................................................................... 77 Melrose Pyrotechnics ....................................................................................... 69 MiLB.com ......................................................................................................... 70 MiLB Licensing, MiLB Hometown Merchandise ................................................ 4 MiLB.TV ............................................................................................................ 93 Notre Dame Federal Credit Union ...................................................................... 9 Rawlings ............................................................................................................. 2 Midwest League 2018 5 To the Millions of Midwest League Fans: I am thrilled to begin my 4th season as Midwest League President. Each day I realize how lucky I am to have the privilege of working with our 16 teams who are the best in Minor League Baseball. We have consistently exceeded 4 million fans coming though Midwest League Park gates each season. Therefore, I have the luxury of welcoming our fans in a way which highlights the fact each of you are not only “1 in a million”, but 1 in 4 million!!! The success of the Midwest League does not happen by accident. Each time I visit the parks around the League I find smiling faces, families holding hands and laughing at the entertainment, and cheering the play on the field. This affordable opportunity each of our Clubs provide to our fans is done with a welcoming smile and a true desire to treat you all as valued guests. What makes me most proud is how our Clubs are excellent corporate citizens and each year either lead or are among the top 2 or 3 Leagues in Charitable Contributions of all of Minor League Baseball. In fact, more than a dollar per ticket goes back to worthy causes in each of our cities. For this philanthropy I thank our Clubs and fans. We had a great 2017 Championship Season with the Whitecaps maintaining the best record for a Minor League Team, the TinCaps fielding the youngest team in Minor League Baseball and making it to the final Championship Series, and our Astros affiliate Quad Cities River Bandits winning it all, just like the parent Club in Houston. So, saddle up, and get ready for another exciting season in the Midwest League; 2018 will be the best ever! A new set of players and teams will be thrilling our fans April through September. Don’t miss an opportunity to take in a Midwest League game, as you’ll experience a lifetime of memories. Play Ball!!! Sincerely, Richard A. Nussbaum, II, President The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs 210 S. Michigan Street - Fifth Floor, South Bend, IN 46601 • 574-532-1221 • midwestleague.com 6 Midwest League 2018 Dear Midwest League Fans: On behalf of Minor League Baseball and the Midwest League, I want to welcome you to the ballpark for another exciting season of Minor League Baseball! The 2018 season will see the opening of a new ballpark in North Augusta, South Carolina, and based on the success of a program launched in four cities in 2017, this year we are introducing the “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup,” a season-long event series between the 33 teams that have adopted Spanish-language identities in an effort to be more representative of their community. While you may see some new logos and team identities this spring and summer, what remains the same is the quality, affordable family entertainment in a clean and safe environment that is a staple of Minor League Baseball across the country. With 20 leagues and more than 250 clubs, Minor League Baseball is where you will find the next wave of baseball’s brightest stars on their way to the big leagues. You just might be watching the next Kris Bryant in South Bend tonight, the next Mike Trout in Cedar Rapids or the next Carlos Correa in the Quad Cities! The Midwest League is a terrific league with a long history of clubs making a difference in their community while also providing a great product on the field and in the stands. The Midwest League is among the most charitable of our leagues when it comes to giving back to the community as the 16 clubs made gift in kind contributions of over $5.4 million in 2017, second only to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Minor League Baseball also remains an integral part of the sports landscape, and of the communities it represents. Last season, Minor League Baseball’s philanthropic endeavors included donating almost $40 million in cash and value in kind contributions to local and national charities. We are proud to support our National Charity Partners: The ALS Association, the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The BairFind Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, as well as other worthy initiatives and causes. In 2017, a remarkable 41.8 MILLION fans attended Minor League Baseball games and I am certain that with your continued