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Gophers in the Pros: Season Summary
9/17/2019 12:44:00 PM | Baseball
With the Minor League Baseball season now in the books, Golden Gophers throughout professional baseball have put the final stamps on their 2019 campaigns. As it stands today, the number of Minnesota alumni competing across various levels of professional baseball resides at 16.
In the Maroon & Gold's history, Minnesota has seen 36 alumni reach the Major Leagues, including two MLB Hall of Famers in Dave Winfield ('73) and Paul Molitor ('77). Each of the following players now look to extend this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
Here is a season summary of the Gophers that competed in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | LHP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
With two quality starts to end the season, Gilbreath ('17) finished his up-and-down year on a high note. In his final two starts, the southpaw went 1-0 with just three earned runs across 14 innings of work, fanning 13 batters in the process. Gilbreath finished the season with a 5-10 record and a 5.81 ERA in 144 innings for the High-A JetHawks, while striking out nearly a batter per inning (143 K).
Brian Glowicki | RHP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
In what appeared to be a lost year for Glowicki ('17) in early July, the transition to the South Bend Cubs saved his season. Ending 2019 with 12 straight scoreless appearances, the Downers Grove, Ill. native posted seven saves and a 1.38 ERA with Single-A South Bend over 26 relief innings. In that span, the right-hander pitched 16 shutout innings with 17 strikeouts while surrendering just six hits. Prior to the move, Glowicki had pitched to the unfortunate tune of a 7.36 ERA, but ultimately finished with a 4.73 ERA across 59 innings at two levels of minor league action in 2019. His late season success also translated to good fortunate for South Bend, who claimed the Midwest League Championship.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
Lackney ('19) delivered a scoreless inning of relief work in his last appearance of the season on Aug. 23, striking out his fourth batter of the year to conclude his rookie campaign. In 7 2/3 innings in the Gulf Coast League, the 18th round pick owned a 4.70 ERA. Lackney surrendered earned runs in just one of his seven outings in 2019.
Ben Meyer | RHP, Albuquerque Isotopes | MiLB.com
Returning from the injured list on Aug. 22, Meyer ('15) pitched three innings, surrendering two earned runs and striking out five. The former 29th round pick made two more appearances thereafter before the season came to a close, both with Triple-A Albuquerque. All in all, Meyer concluded 2019 with a 7.60 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, going 4-7 with 85 punch-outs in 81 2/3 innings pitched.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
Rose ('18) wrapped up his season in strong fashion, allowing just two earned runs across 6 1/3 innings of work in two September appearances. Spending the entire season in Single-A, Rose pitched to a 4.90 ERA in 2019, almost identical to his 4.91 rookie ball ERA in 2018. In 15 games (11 starts), he registered 64 1/3 innings with 49 strikeouts and a serviceable 1.23 WHIP.
Dalton Sawyer | LHP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
Sawyer ('16), who is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery in hopes of resuming his professional career, has begun throwing off flat ground and is aiming to return to the mound for the 2020 season. Prior to the injury, Sawyer amounted 149 1/3 innings of 3.56 ERA ball in the minor leagues, reaching as high as the AAA level in 2017. He also whiffed an eye-popping 166 batters during the course of that time.
Brett Schulze | RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters | MiLB.com
Proving that he is indeed human, Schulze ('19) finally coughed up his first earned run as a professional in his last outing of the season on Aug. 30. All told, it was the only earned run the righty allowed in 26 2/3 innings in 2019, resulting in an ERA of 0.34. 23 2/3 of those frames came with Single-A Williamsport, where Schulze whiffed an astounding 34 batters to obtain a 12.9 K/9. After a phenomenal debut in the Philadelphia Phillies system, it will be intriguing to see what Schulze has for an encore in 2020.
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Although Stevenson ('19) allowed three earned runs in his final appearance of the year, he still turned in an excellent campaign in rookie ball with a 3.10 ERA in 20 1/3 relief innings. Stevenson saved five games in six opportunities for Billings and struck out far more batters (31) than innings pitched, good for a superb 13.7 K/9. Batters also hit just .225 against the former 10th round pick in 2019.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
An Aug. 5 injury cost Vavra ('18) the remainder of his 2019 campaign, but the rising star shortstop still hauled in 2019 South Atlantic League MVP honors. Now the no. seven ranked prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization, Vavra slashed .318/.409/.489 with 10 home runs, 32 doubles, 79 runs, 52 RBI and 18 stolen bases. On top of that, Vavra collected 119 hits in just 102 games in 2019. With a fantastic 2019 season to his credit, the Menomonie, Wis. native appears primed to begin 2020 in Double-A.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
With a .241 average in his last 10 games of the season, Wilson ('19) ended the year with a .234/.356/.366 slash including four homers, 31 runs and 20 RBI. Behind the plate, the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team selection made only three errors in 42 starts (360 1/3 innings), earning him a .993 fielding percentage in 2019.
Tom Windle | LHP, Lowell Spinners | MiLB.com
Following his release from the Phillies' organization on Aug. 10, Windle ('13) found a new home on Aug. 26 as the Boston Red Sox signed the left-hander. Upon being added to the farm system, Boston assigned Windle to the Class-A Spinners, with whom he made four appearances prior to the season's end. In those games, Windle pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief, allowing two earned runs with two strikeouts and zero walks. He allowed runs in only one of his four outings.
In addition to the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball, there are also a few former players chasing the big-league dream in the independent American Association.
Alex Boxwell | OF, Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks | Pointstreak.com
Boxwell ('18) only spent eight games with the Redhawks to close out the year, but had five hits in 20 at bats in that short span. Two of those knocks were doubles, while Boxwell also chipped in three runs and an RBI.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | Pointstreak.com
In the last 10 games of the regular season, Coffey ('18) swatted 11 hits to bring his 2019 slash line up to .246/.308/.310. Coffey appeared in 59 games for the Thunderbolts, amassing 187 at bats with one homer, 18 runs and 17 RBI.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
As one of the driving forces behind the Saints' championship season, Jess had a highly productive year on the mound. In 38 games (eight starts), Jess worked a 7-1 record with a 3.84 ERA in 75 innings pitched. He also retired 69 batters on strikes.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Another crucial component of St. Paul's American Association title-winning team, Motl produced by far the best offensive season of his career in 2019. At season's end, Motl slashed .328/.416/.421 with four homers, 74 runs, 42 RBI and 24 steals. Motl also contributed two hits, one walk and a run in game one of the league finals.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
Snelten ('13) polished off a great 2019 season by throwing a quality start in each of his final six games of the season. In each start, Snelten allowed just one earned run and accumulated a 1.24 ERA across 43 2/3 innings in those games. With the campaign now in the rearview, Snelten's 2019 totals reflect a 7-3 record with a 3.11 ERA in 20 starts (118 1/3 innings). Snelten also punched-out 112 batters in the process.
For other former Gophers that have made their mark in professional baseball, sign-ups for Alumni Weekend (Sept. 27-28) are now open. For inquiries or to reserve a spot in the Pro Alumni Game, please contact Assistant Coach Patrick Casey (casey370@umn.edu) and Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt (mcde0157@umn.edu).
In the Maroon & Gold's history, Minnesota has seen 36 alumni reach the Major Leagues, including two MLB Hall of Famers in Dave Winfield ('73) and Paul Molitor ('77). Each of the following players now look to extend this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
Here is a season summary of the Gophers that competed in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | LHP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
With two quality starts to end the season, Gilbreath ('17) finished his up-and-down year on a high note. In his final two starts, the southpaw went 1-0 with just three earned runs across 14 innings of work, fanning 13 batters in the process. Gilbreath finished the season with a 5-10 record and a 5.81 ERA in 144 innings for the High-A JetHawks, while striking out nearly a batter per inning (143 K).
.@lucas_gilbreath pitches for @JetHawks against Lake Elsinore pic.twitter.com/fPsWrd5CBE
— Dinur Blum (@rabbi_d) September 4, 2019
FINAL | JetHawks 12, 66ers 2
— Lancaster JetHawks (@JetHawks) August 29, 2019
Luis Castro homered twice and drove in five runs. Lucas Gilbreath pitched seven solid innings. We go for the series win tomorrow. #RockTheHawk
Brian Glowicki | RHP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
In what appeared to be a lost year for Glowicki ('17) in early July, the transition to the South Bend Cubs saved his season. Ending 2019 with 12 straight scoreless appearances, the Downers Grove, Ill. native posted seven saves and a 1.38 ERA with Single-A South Bend over 26 relief innings. In that span, the right-hander pitched 16 shutout innings with 17 strikeouts while surrendering just six hits. Prior to the move, Glowicki had pitched to the unfortunate tune of a 7.36 ERA, but ultimately finished with a 4.73 ERA across 59 innings at two levels of minor league action in 2019. His late season success also translated to good fortunate for South Bend, who claimed the Midwest League Championship.
Watch #SBCubs closer Brian Glowicki get four very important outs in tonights 2-1 win over Bowling Green. #MakeItCount #CubsWin pic.twitter.com/YtH57zB3To
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) September 5, 2019
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
Lackney ('19) delivered a scoreless inning of relief work in his last appearance of the season on Aug. 23, striking out his fourth batter of the year to conclude his rookie campaign. In 7 2/3 innings in the Gulf Coast League, the 18th round pick owned a 4.70 ERA. Lackney surrendered earned runs in just one of his seven outings in 2019.
Ben Meyer | RHP, Albuquerque Isotopes | MiLB.com
Returning from the injured list on Aug. 22, Meyer ('15) pitched three innings, surrendering two earned runs and striking out five. The former 29th round pick made two more appearances thereafter before the season came to a close, both with Triple-A Albuquerque. All in all, Meyer concluded 2019 with a 7.60 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, going 4-7 with 85 punch-outs in 81 2/3 innings pitched.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
Rose ('18) wrapped up his season in strong fashion, allowing just two earned runs across 6 1/3 innings of work in two September appearances. Spending the entire season in Single-A, Rose pitched to a 4.90 ERA in 2019, almost identical to his 4.91 rookie ball ERA in 2018. In 15 games (11 starts), he registered 64 1/3 innings with 49 strikeouts and a serviceable 1.23 WHIP.
Dalton Sawyer | LHP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
Sawyer ('16), who is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery in hopes of resuming his professional career, has begun throwing off flat ground and is aiming to return to the mound for the 2020 season. Prior to the injury, Sawyer amounted 149 1/3 innings of 3.56 ERA ball in the minor leagues, reaching as high as the AAA level in 2017. He also whiffed an eye-popping 166 batters during the course of that time.
Brett Schulze | RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters | MiLB.com
Proving that he is indeed human, Schulze ('19) finally coughed up his first earned run as a professional in his last outing of the season on Aug. 30. All told, it was the only earned run the righty allowed in 26 2/3 innings in 2019, resulting in an ERA of 0.34. 23 2/3 of those frames came with Single-A Williamsport, where Schulze whiffed an astounding 34 batters to obtain a 12.9 K/9. After a phenomenal debut in the Philadelphia Phillies system, it will be intriguing to see what Schulze has for an encore in 2020.
#Phillies #MiLB rhrp Brett Schulze (@brett_schulze) surrenders his first ER of the season in his final appearance of the year. 1 ER in 26.2 IP across 2 levels, 0.34 ERA, .227 BAA, 12.5 K/9.
— Nello Gamberdino (@npgsports) September 3, 2019
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Although Stevenson ('19) allowed three earned runs in his final appearance of the year, he still turned in an excellent campaign in rookie ball with a 3.10 ERA in 20 1/3 relief innings. Stevenson saved five games in six opportunities for Billings and struck out far more batters (31) than innings pitched, good for a superb 13.7 K/9. Batters also hit just .225 against the former 10th round pick in 2019.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
An Aug. 5 injury cost Vavra ('18) the remainder of his 2019 campaign, but the rising star shortstop still hauled in 2019 South Atlantic League MVP honors. Now the no. seven ranked prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization, Vavra slashed .318/.409/.489 with 10 home runs, 32 doubles, 79 runs, 52 RBI and 18 stolen bases. On top of that, Vavra collected 119 hits in just 102 games in 2019. With a fantastic 2019 season to his credit, the Menomonie, Wis. native appears primed to begin 2020 in Double-A.
Congratulations to Terrin Vavra (MVP & Top SS) and Willie MacIver (Top Catcher) for their End of the Year All-Star Team Honors!
— Asheville Tourists (@GoTourists) August 27, 2019
Full Story: https://t.co/8XwS0VCnwN pic.twitter.com/QPLAZMdgCZ
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
With a .241 average in his last 10 games of the season, Wilson ('19) ended the year with a .234/.356/.366 slash including four homers, 31 runs and 20 RBI. Behind the plate, the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team selection made only three errors in 42 starts (360 1/3 innings), earning him a .993 fielding percentage in 2019.
Tom Windle | LHP, Lowell Spinners | MiLB.com
Following his release from the Phillies' organization on Aug. 10, Windle ('13) found a new home on Aug. 26 as the Boston Red Sox signed the left-hander. Upon being added to the farm system, Boston assigned Windle to the Class-A Spinners, with whom he made four appearances prior to the season's end. In those games, Windle pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief, allowing two earned runs with two strikeouts and zero walks. He allowed runs in only one of his four outings.
🎴PITCHING CHANGE, presented by Thorndike Exchange🎴
— Lowell Spinners (@LowellSpinners) September 8, 2019
Jorge Rodriguez's day is over and Tom Windle is in to pitch now for the #Spinners
Rodriguez's Line ▶️: 5.0 IP, 1 hit, no runs, 1 BB, 5 SO #GatorUp pic.twitter.com/hWxmYq8BEG
In addition to the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball, there are also a few former players chasing the big-league dream in the independent American Association.
Alex Boxwell | OF, Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks | Pointstreak.com
Boxwell ('18) only spent eight games with the Redhawks to close out the year, but had five hits in 20 at bats in that short span. Two of those knocks were doubles, while Boxwell also chipped in three runs and an RBI.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | Pointstreak.com
In the last 10 games of the regular season, Coffey ('18) swatted 11 hits to bring his 2019 slash line up to .246/.308/.310. Coffey appeared in 59 games for the Thunderbolts, amassing 187 at bats with one homer, 18 runs and 17 RBI.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
As one of the driving forces behind the Saints' championship season, Jess had a highly productive year on the mound. In 38 games (eight starts), Jess worked a 7-1 record with a 3.84 ERA in 75 innings pitched. He also retired 69 batters on strikes.
CHAMPIONS!!!!#AAFinals#Game3#SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/VABfoKY9Ma
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) September 15, 2019
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Another crucial component of St. Paul's American Association title-winning team, Motl produced by far the best offensive season of his career in 2019. At season's end, Motl slashed .328/.416/.421 with four homers, 74 runs, 42 RBI and 24 steals. Motl also contributed two hits, one walk and a run in game one of the league finals.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
Snelten ('13) polished off a great 2019 season by throwing a quality start in each of his final six games of the season. In each start, Snelten allowed just one earned run and accumulated a 1.24 ERA across 43 2/3 innings in those games. With the campaign now in the rearview, Snelten's 2019 totals reflect a 7-3 record with a 3.11 ERA in 20 starts (118 1/3 innings). Snelten also punched-out 112 batters in the process.
For other former Gophers that have made their mark in professional baseball, sign-ups for Alumni Weekend (Sept. 27-28) are now open. For inquiries or to reserve a spot in the Pro Alumni Game, please contact Assistant Coach Patrick Casey (casey370@umn.edu) and Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt (mcde0157@umn.edu).
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