Canaries Announce 2016 Catching Corps
April 13, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
Sioux Falls Canaries Catcher Nolan Johnson at the Plate
(Sioux Falls Canaries)
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries announced on Wednesday afternoon that the organization has signed catchers Cameron Garfield and Nolan Johnson to contracts for the 2016 season.
Garfield, 24, was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB draft and spent seven seasons in their minor league system. The Frankfurt, Germany native holds a .250 career batting average to go along with his 99 doubles, 32 home runs, and 217 RBI's. Garfield is also an excellent defensive catcher, having thrown out 44% of all base stealers since 2013. He threw out a career high 35% of all base stealers in 2014.
"Cameron is a solid all-around catcher," said Canaries manager Chris Paterson. "We were looking for an experienced catcher who can handle a pitching staff and shut down the run game. Cameron has a great arm and knows how to call a good game. We think he will be a nice addition to our squad in 2016."
Garfield appeared in 109 games for the Brevard County Manatees (Brewers Class-A affiliate) in 2013, posting a .250 batting average while collecting a career high 20 doubles and 48 RBI's. In 2015 Garfield appeared in 55 games for the Manatees before joining the Independent ranks with the Frontier League's Rockford Aviators. He hit .308 in 24 games, collecting 5 extra base hits and 10 RBI's.
Nolan Johnson joins the Canaries catching core in 2016 after wrapping up a decorated college career at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The Bloomington, MN native ended his college career as one of the most decorated baseball players in Mavericks program history. Johnson holds all-time career records for at bats (788), hits (289), doubles (73), RBI's (168) and games played (218). In 2015, Johnson led the squad in at bats (198), hits (79), doubles (23), and total bases (117), respectively.
"Nolan was a solid rookie option for us," added Paterson. "He was a workhorse in Mankato, and a guy you could count on in clutch situations. He's a local guy who is going to go out there and compete for a spot during spring camp."
He was the only player to start all 52 games for the Mavericks and was selected to the 2015 NCAA DII Central Region All-Tournament Team as well as ABCA/Rawlings Second Team All-Central Region, 2015 NCBWA All-Central Region Second Team, 2015 Daktronics Second Team All-Central Region, and the 2015 First Team All-NSIC.
Sioux Falls Canaries baseball enters their 24th season on May 19th against the Sioux City Explorers at Lewis & Clark Park. The Canaries kick off the 2016 home portion of their schedule on Friday, May 20th with a special presentation from All-Star Fireworks after the game. For more information about season tickets and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries ticket office at (605) 336-6060 or visit www.sfcanaries.com.
Images from this story
American Association Stories from April 13, 2016
- Canaries Announce 2016 Catching Corps - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Sioux City Explorers Add Cunningham, Overton, and Lomascolo - Sioux City Explorers
- Goldeyes Add Experienced Outfielder - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Sioux Falls Canaries Stories
- Big Second Inning Lifts Canaries to Sixth Straight Win
- Birds Rally Past Cougars for Fourth Consecutive Victory
- Canaries Rally Late to Complete Sweep of RailCats
- Henry Homers Twice to Power Birds Past RailCats on the South Shore
- Cougars Edge Canaries to Avoid Series Sweep
