MACOMB, Ill. — While many students have spent their summer break relaxing, the athletes of Western Illinois University's baseball team have been hard at work, representing the school with pride and perseverance. From competing in high-level travel leagues to attending specialized training camps, these student-athletes have made impressive strides in their development and performance. This summer has not only showcased their commitment to the sport but has also laid a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
Junior right-handed pitcher Eric Rawlings and senior outfielder Liam Bushey are both spending their summer in Willmar, Minnesota, competing with the Willmar Stingers in the prestigious Northwoods League. Rawlings has made seven appearances on the mound, pitching 9.2 innings, recording 10 strikeouts, and posting a 5.59 ERA as he continues to gain valuable experience against top-tier collegiate talent. Offensively, Bushey has been a steady presence at the plate, batting .302 with 10 RBIs and a .387 on-base percentage, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently in a highly competitive environment.
Junior left-handed pitcher Karsten Stotlar is spending his summer in Marion, Illinois, competing in the Prospect League as a member of the Thrillville Thrillbillies. Stotlar has made four starts so far, logging 17.2 innings, striking out 15 batters, and recording a 5.29 ERA. His time on the mound this summer is providing valuable starting experience and continued development against quality competition.
Junior infielder Wandel Campana is turning heads this summer in Quincy, Illinois, where he's competing in the Prospect League with the Quincy Doggy Paddlers. Campana has been a dynamic presence at the plate and on the bases, boasting a .299 batting average, 17 RBIs, a .461 on-base percentage, and 13 stolen bases. His well-rounded performance highlights both his offensive consistency and speed, making him a key contributor to his summer squad.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jackson Rodgers and redshirt freshman right-hander Jack Duncan are representing the Burlington Bees of Burlington, Iowa, in the Prospect League this summer. Rodgers has made four starts, tossing 17.2 innings with 15 strikeouts and holding opposing hitters to a .264 batting average. Duncan has contributed out of the bullpen with five appearances, pitching 6 innings and continuing to build experience at the collegiate level with a 6.00 ERA.
Junior left-handed pitcher Anthony Steinhoff is pitching this summer with the Anchorage Bucs, based in Anchorage, Alaska, competing in the Alaska Baseball League. Making three appearances out of the bullpen, Steinhoff has been effective at limiting opposing hitters, holding them to a .143 batting average.
Freshman infielder Kenneth Perez is set to join the Dubois County Bombers in Huntingburg, Indiana, for the second half of the Prospect League season. Perez will look to gain valuable in-game experience and continue his development as he steps into competitive collegiate summer ball.
Senior catcher Krayton Morse will also be entering the Prospect League for the remainder of the summer, joining the Thrillville Thrillbillies in Marion, Illinois. Morse brings veteran leadership behind the plate and will be a strong addition to the Thrillbillies' roster.
Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Billy Humphrey will take his talents to Canada, joining the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the Northwoods League for the second half of the summer season. Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Border Cats provide a great platform for Humphrey to compete against top-level talent in one of the most respected summer leagues in the country.
As the summer unfolds, it's clear that the members of the baseball program are making the most of their opportunities—whether competing in elite leagues, gaining valuable experience on the mound or at the plate, or preparing to make an impact in the second half of the season. Their commitment to development and willingness to challenge themselves against top-tier competition is a testament to the culture and work ethic within our program. With their continued growth over the summer, the future looks bright for Leatherneck Baseball heading into the upcoming season.
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