Recent University of Iowa graduate, RHP Patrick Lala signed with the Boomers as a free agent on July 1, 2012.

Lala, 22, was drafted in the 29th round of the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies after two seasons at Kirkwood Community College but decided to attend Iowa University for his final two collegiate seasons. As a member of the Hawkeyes Baseball Team, Lala appeared in 27 games, earned a 3-9 record and a 4.88 ERA in 56 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts.

Lala was a two-time All-Region honoree at Kirkwood and also played for Boomers Hitting Coach C.J. Thieleke with the Madison Mallards in the collegiate wood bat Northwoods League.

A three-time All-Conference honoree at Marion (Iowa) High School, Lala holds the school’s record for career ERA and was named All-District and All-State twice.