AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Ink Former First Round Pick

Published on March 25, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


First baseman and outfielder David Cooper, a former first round draft choice of the Toronto Blue Jays, has been signed by the Lancaster Barnstormers to a 2015 contract, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.

Cooper, 28, was the 17th man drafted in June, 2008, following a stellar collegiate career at Cal State-Fullerton and the University of California-Berkeley.

He batted a combined .333 at three levels of the Toronto organization during his rookie season. Following that, Cooper spent two years with Class AA New Hampshire, belting 20 home runs and driving in 78 in 2010.

In 2011, the left-handed hitter captured the Class AAA Pacific Coast League batting title, swinging at a .364 clip for Las Vegas. He also topped the league with 51 doubles and finished among the top ten in the league in RBI (96), walks and on-base percentage. That season earned him two different promotions to Toronto with whom he made his Major League debut, April 29 at Yankee Stadium.

The next year, the California native continued to tear up Class AAA pitching, batting .314 for Las Vegas with 52 RBI in 68 games. He also hit .300 in 45 games at the big league level, hitting safely in 16 of 19 August contests.

Cooper joined Cleveland prior to the 2013 season but did not play until August. Last year, he played 40 games with Class AAA Columbus but did not see action after May 26.

He began his college career at Fullerton, where he made the All-College World Series Team after producing seven consecutive hits in Omaha. Cooper transferred to Berkeley and batted .370 while slugging 31 homers and driving in 110 runs over his two seasons.

"We're excited to have a hitter of this quality," said Hobson. "He's 100 percent healthy and looking to show what he can do. He'll be a big bat for us."

The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eleventh season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.

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