SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —After playing a key role in the Schaumburg Boomers 2013 Frontier League Championship, designated hitter Steve McQuail had his contract purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks, making him the third player in franchise history to move on to a Major League Baseball organization.

 “We are very proud of Steve,” 2013 Frontier League Manager of the Year Jamie Bennett said. “He is a very hard worker and one of the best clubhouse guys I have ever been around.  His accomplishments on the field and his attitude make him very deserving of this opportunity.”

McQuail, 24, captured the Home Run Derby crown at the All-Star Break while representing the West Division at the Mid-Summer Classic before adding Post-Season All-Star to his list of 2013 accolades. The New York native ended the season with a .296/.390/.548 stat line in 94 games played. McQuail matched his own franchise-record with 20 home runs in the regular season, good for third in the league. He also blasted a walk-off bomb in Game One of the Divisional Series to give the Boomers their first-ever playoff victory.

This will be McQuail’s second stint in affiliated ball, as he came to the Boomers after two seasons in the Toronto Blue Jays system.  Originally selected in the 30th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Canisius College, McQuail went straight to Single-A Auburn in the New York-Pennsylvania League. The 6’2” slugger, who played outfield exclusively with the Blue Jays, batted .229 in 111 games with 18 home runs and 57 runs batted in between Auburn and Vancouver.

At Canisius College, a Division I school in Buffalo, NY, McQuail excelled during his three-year career as a shortstop and designated hitter. A .347 career hitter in college, McQuail smacked 20 home runs in 2010 as a junior to go along with 21 doubles and a .397 batting average. His 81 RBI that year were good for 12th in the nation and McQuail was named to the ABCA-Rawlings All-American Third Team.

McQuail joins Boomers teammate Sean Mahley in the Diamondbacks organization, who was signed by Arizona days after clinching the championship.

In other transaction news, RHP Chris Phelan was sent to the Washington Wild Things to complete the late-season trade for Shawn Sanford.  Phelan represented the Boomers at the Mid-Season All Star Game, and started Game One of each of the team’s postseason series.  He finished the year with an impressive 7-2 record and 2.21 ERA—third in the Frontier League.

You've heard of Oktoberfest, but now it's time to mark your calendars for the inaugural Boomerfest Celebration from Oct. 3-6! Come on down to Boomers Stadium for free concerts, beer and a carnival, complete with rides, games and traditional carnival food! For more information, log on to boomersbaseball.com/boomerfest.