Northwoods Kalamazoo Growlers

Kalamazoo Growlers Sign Set of Arms from Ball State

Published on February 26, 2016 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Kalamazoo Growlers News Release


Kalamazoo Growlers Signee BJ Butler
Kalamazoo Growlers Signee BJ Butler
(Kalamazoo Growlers)

KALAMAZOO, MI - The latest additions to the Growlers 2016 roster come to Kalamazoo from Ball State University. Both pitchers hailing from the Mitten State, the Growlers are excited to welcome Mattawan native BJ Butler and Shelby Township native Kevin Marnon.

RHP - BJ Butler, 6'1" 191 (R/R) Junior, Ball State University

Butler comes to the Growlers with a wealth of experience. Under former U of M and current Ball State baseball coach Rich Maloney, the right-hander has developed into a solid, dominant player. A 2015 Baseball MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete, Butler returns to Ball State for his junior tour coming off a successful sophomore season, making 29 appearances on the mound and tying the team's lead with 5 wins. Butler threw 73.1 innings, striking out 68 batters and posting an ERA of 3.80 in 2015.

As a senior at Mattawan High School, Butler set the school career strikeout record and helped the team to a record of 23-7. He was a four-year letter winner at the school, where both of his parents are teachers. The Southwest Michigan native is excited to don the Growlers jersey in front of the hometown crowd and his family.

Said Growlers Managing Partner Brian Colopy, "BJ was signed to play for us last year. Due to injury we didn't get to see him with the team so we are excited to not only have a local product, but to have him on board again this year."

LHP - Kevin Marnon, 6'7" 235 (R/L) Redshirt Junior, Ball State University

Marnon is a 2012 graduate of Sterling Heights Stevenson High School where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball and earned all-conference and all-county honors. After going 31-7 his senior season, Kevin led the Titans to the MAC championship and state semifinals.

He redshirted at Akron University after transferring from East Tennessee State where he pitched two seasons. During his sophomore year at ETSU the tall left-hander made seven relief appearances and did not allow an earned run in four of his first five appearances. Marnon was set to be in Akron's rotation before the school's baseball program was eliminated and he transferred again to Ball State. The 2016 season will mark his first as a Cardinal.

Opening day at Homer Stryker Field is just 95 days away. The Kalamazoo Growlers face off against the Lakeshore Chinooks May 31st at 7:05 pm. Group tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Visit growlersbaseball.com or call 269.492.9966 for more information.

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Kalamazoo Growlers Signee BJ Butler
Kalamazoo Growlers Signee BJ Butler
   



Northwoods League Stories from February 26, 2016


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