MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Crawford Gives 'Caps League-High Six All-Stars

June 4, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Just hours after the initial 2014 Midwest League All-Star teams were unveiled, West Michigan Whitecaps' pitcher Jonathon Crawford has been added to the Eastern Division roster as a replacement player, the Midwest League announced Wednesday.

Crawford is now one of six players that will represent the host Whitecaps at the 50th annual Midwest League All-Star Classic, presented by Amway, on Tuesday, June 17 at Fifth Third Ballpark. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. prior to the 7:00 p.m. ballgame and will feature pre-game promotions including batting practice, an autograph session with both teams and a yet-to-be announced special contest.

The six Midwest League All-Stars gives West Michigan more All-Stars than any other team. Crawford will be joining fellow pitchers Austin Kubitza, Buck Farmer and Joe Mantiply, second baseman Javier Betancourt, and outfielder Wynton Bernard.

Crawford's initial omission from the All-Star team was surprising given the stellar season put forth by the Detroit Tigers' first-round pick in the 2013 draft.

The 22-year-old right-hander from Florida is 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. He has limited opposing hitters to a measly .217 batting average. Since a rocky Midwest League debut on April 4, Crawford has allowed two runs or less in eight consecutive outings and posted a 0.99 ERA over that time.

Being the first pitcher added to the Eastern Division All-Star roster as a replacement indicates that Crawford was the top vote-getter of any Eastern Division pitcher that did not initially make the team. He will fill the spot left vacant by an injury to Adam Miller of the South Bend Silver Hawks.

The Midwest League All-Star rosters are compiled by a vote of league managers.

The Whitecaps continue their playoff push on Wednesday night with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch against the Great Lakes Loons. RHP Chad Green (0-2, 3.64) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against RHP Brandon Martinez (1-0, 2.86) of Great Lakes. There will be an appearance by Roary from the Detroit Lions and post-game Family Fare fireworks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 4, 2014


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