Former Kalamazoo Growler Zack Gelof Debuts with the Athletics
July 15, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods) News Release
Rochester, Minn. - Former Kalamazoo Growler Zack Gelof made his Major League debut for the Oakland Athletics on Friday, July 14, 2023. Gelof is the 330th former Northwoods League player to reach the Major League level.
Gelof, who played collegiately at the University of Virginia, played for the Growlers in 2019. He was drafted by the Athletics in the 2nd round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
In 2021 with the Growlers, Gelof played in 39 games and hit .349 with two home runs, nine doubles and three triples. He stole 22 bases and drove in 28.
Gelof started his professional career in 2021 with the Athletics Rookie level team in the Arizona Complex League. After one game he was sent to the Stockton Ports of the Low-A West League. He would play in 32 games in Stockton before another promotion, to end the season, to the Las Vegas Aviators of the Triple-A West League. For the year he played in 36 games and hit .333 with seven home runs, nine doubles and 30 runs scored. He drove in 30 and stole 13 bases.
In 2022 Gelof began the year with the Midland RockHounds of the AA Texas League. After 87 games he was promoted back to Las Vegas. Between the two clubs he hit .270 with 18 home runs, 17 doubles and two triples. He stole 10 bases and walked 50 times.
Prior to his call-up to the Athletics, Gelof had played in 69 games with Las Vegas and was hitting .304 with 12 home runs, 21 doubles and 20 stolen bases. In his Major League debut against the Minnesota Twins, Gelof started the game at third base and went 1 for 4 at the plate with an RBI double.
Northwoods League Stories from July 15, 2023
- Dock Spiders Hooked by Chinooks 22-3 - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
- Lakeshore Bounces Back in a Big Way - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Express Drop Game One of Series vs. Rochester - Eau Claire Express
- Loggers Surge to Ten Wins in the Second Half, Beat Bucks 15-5 - La Crosse Loggers
- Stingers Extend Winning Streak to Five Games with Another Big Offensive Performance, Open Series against Mud Puppies with 14-3 Win - Willmar Stingers
- Spitters Walk-off in Madison - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Rough Outing for the Rafters as They Drop the First Game in Kalamazoo - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Wausau Takes Down Green Bay in Extras - Wausau Woodchucks
- Marathon of a Game Ends with Win - Mankato MoonDogs
- Rockers Fall in Extra-Inning Battle with Woodchucks - Green Bay Rockers
- Doubleheader Starts Strong for Madison, Walked-off on Own Field in Game Two - Madison Mallards
- Spitters Flocked in Game One - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Rivets Stifle Battle Jacks 3-1, Hold Battle Creek to Just a Single Run for the 5th Time - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Rox Reach Base 13 Times At Home Against Duluth - St. Cloud Rox
- Two Dock Spiders Selected for 2023 Northwoods League Great Lakes All-Star Game - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
- Rockford Forfeits Series Finale against Growlers - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Former Kalamazoo Growler Zack Gelof Debuts with the Athletics - Northwoods
- Rockers Continue Homestand against Woodchucks - Green Bay Rockers
- Rochester Secures Series Split with Comeback Victory - Rochester Honkers
- Growlers Sweep Battle Jacks at CO Brown Stadium - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Dock Spiders Fall To Rafters 8-6 - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
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.
