The Gateway Grizzlies have signed four players to their 2014 roster. Chris DeBoo, Blake Shepherd, Alex Bos and Glenn Walker will report to spring training for the Grizzlies in May.
DeBoo, 23, comes to the Grizzlies after spending 2013 with the Joliet Slammers. The right-hander from San Diego, Calif., had no record and a 5.22 ERA in seven relief appearances with the Slammers.
The right-hander spent his first three years of college at Cal State Northridge before pitching his final season for Valparaiso. In 2013 at Valpo, DeBoo won five games while making 16 starts.
“Upside stands out with Chris,” Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. “He had his ups and downs last season, but knowing what he did in college and from what we’ve heard from others we are excited to see what he can do. The potential is there for him to start or be in the bullpen and be a serious contributor.”
Shepherd, 23, is a rookie from NAIA Viterbo University in Wisconsin. The 6-foot-2 190-pound outfielder batted over .320 in each of his final three seasons in college. In 149 career games, Shepherd batted .336 with 18 home runs and 92 RBI.
“We are excited to see what Blake can do at this level,” Warren mentioned. “He put up solid numbers in college and also performed well in the wood bat Northwoods League (Summer Collegiate).”
Bos, 22, recently wrapped up his collegiate career at NAIA Concordia University. The 6-2 195-pound left-hander from Vancouver, Wash., compiled a 3.23 ERA in 103 innings during his senior season for the Cavaliers.
“Alex is left-handed and brings a good, young arm to the team,” Warren said. “He’ll compete for a roster spot in spring training.”
Walker, 23, played for the Hawaii Stars in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball in 2013. The 6-1 175-pound middle infielder batted .272 with 10 stolen bases. A native of Long Beach, Calif., Walker went to Jackson State University.
“Glenn can play multiple positions in the infield and brings versatility to our team,” Warren commented. “He has previous professional experience which is a big plus.”
