Northwoods Bismarck Larks

Three Larks Players Drafted

Published on June 6, 2019 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Bismarck Larks News Release


Bismarck, ND - Three former Bismarck Lark players were selected in this week's Major League Baseball draft. The first Lark off of the board was right handed pitcher Jeff Lindgren who was selected in the 24th round by the Miami Marlins. Following Lindgren was outfielder Connor Perry who was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round. The final former Lark selected was fan favorite shortstop Ripken Reyes who was taken by the San Diego Padres in the 30th round. All three Larks were selected on June 5, the third day of the MLB draft.

Jeff Lindgren spent his collegiate career pitching for the Illinois State Redbirds. The right handed fireballer was primarily a relief pitcher his first three seasons with Illinois State. During the 2019 season Lindgren started 14 out of the 19 games he pitched including a nine strikeout game against Southern Illinois on April 20. Lindgren also threw 69 strikeouts compared to just 25 walks in 83 innings of work during the season. Lindgren spent parts of both the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Larks. In 2017, Lindgren had a 3.08 ERA, fives saves and 26 strikeouts compared to just eight walks in 26.2 innings on the mound for the Larks. Lindgren improved upon that play in 2018 as he had a 1.45 ERA, three saves, and 18 strikeouts compared to just five walks in 24.2 innings pitched. Lindgren will now bring his talents to South Beach after being selected by the Miami Marlins.

"Jeff played a huge part of this organization. We wouldn't have won a year two first half championship without him," said Larks head coach Sean Repay. "Jeff pitched in the most crucial games down the stretch for us. He's family to me and he always will be. He came from a tough situation after his freshman year, he had a lot of growing to do and he wasn't being utilized to the point he wanted. Jeff was able to earn that here. I love that kid to death, he is one of my favorite larks of all time."

Perry had an untraditional path to professional baseball. Perry started his collegiate career with Lackawanna College in Lackawanna, NY. Perry's phenomenal play at Lackawanna included a career .360 batting average and 102 hits in 94 games played over two seasons as a falcon which earned him a spot on the University of Pittsburgh baseball team. Perry played for the larks during the summer between his time with Lackawanna and Pitt. He had 27 hits, 25 walks, 19 RBI and a .221 batting average in 33 games for the Larks during their inaugural season. Perry only appeared in three games for the Larks during the 2018 season due to a back injury. Perry however, continued his excellent play at Pitt after spending his first two seasons with Lackawanna. He had a .289 batting average as well as 61 hits and 15 homeruns in 55 games with the Panthers this season. Perry hopes to continue his success on the diamond all the way to Comerica Park.

"Connor was our leadoff hitter the entire year one season," Repay said. "He plays the game the right way, hustles, doesn't take any day for granted, he just does the little things right. He started slowly developing sneaky power in the [Northwoods] League. He started out the year playing for La Crosse and was released off his temp [contract]. I picked him up, he became a Lark and the rest is history. I'm so proud of him, that kids story and his life is inspiring. He is 5 foot 9 [inches], was cut from teams and told he wasn't good enough. Here is now drafted in the 28th round by the Detroit Tigers, so proud of him."

Ripken Reyes spent the first three years of his collegiate career playing for the University of California. In Reyes's freshman season, he hit .286 against Pac-12 competition. In his sophomore year, he recorded an impressive .976 fielding percentage as the Golden Bears starting second baseman. Ripken continued his stellar defense his junior season with a .977 fielding percentage while splitting time between second and third base. Reyes then transferred to the University of San Diego for his last year of eligibility. Reyes was red hot for the Toreros with a West Coast Conference league leading .366 batting average, .462 on-base percentage, and 27 hit-by-pitches. Ripken also had 71 hits, 42 runs scored and a .969 fielding percentage in 53 games during his lone season at USD. Reyes was also named to the All WCC team for his exceptional play. During the 2018 season, Reyes played 61 of 72 games for the Larks in which he had a .306 batting average, 19 stolen bases, 72 hits and 48 runs scored. Ripken has found a new home in San Diego after transferring to USD and now being selected by the Padres.

"I have a huge soft spot for this kid," Repay said. "There's not many kids that play the game like Ripken Reyes plays the game anymore. I had to peel this kid out of a lineup. He started 61 out of 72 games for us which is wild, especially as a middle infielder - you get abused at that position. He hit either leadoff or the two hole for us every game. He did it right, he hustled, Ripken Reyes was our whole hearted leader last season. Without him, it doesn't work. I miss him a lot. I'm so proud of him, the kid can play man. I'm excited for him, I'm pumped, I can't wait to watch him play."

The Larks are happy for these three players and wish them continued success in their careers. To watch the next generation of major leaguers, get your tickets here: https://northwoodsleague.com/bismarck-larks/single-game-tickets/

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Northwoods League Stories from June 6, 2019


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.

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