SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —  The Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, will bring back several key members of their back-to-back Frontier League championship teams as the quest begins for an unprecedented third consecutive league title. 

The Boomers, hosts of the 2015 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 15 at Boomers Stadium, will be returning all three of their 2014 All-Stars; veteran catcher Michael Valadez, second baseman Jordan Dean and outfielder Justin Vasquez.  Other key returnees from the title team include post-season pitching stalwarts Seth Webster and Eddie Cody, closer Dexter Price, outfielder Alexi Colon and last season’s rookie sensation, infielder Mark Nelson.  Several members of manager Jamie Bennett’s bullpen are inked for 2015 including righties Clark Labitan, Anthony Smith, Kevin Carroll, and Ross Spurgeon. From the left side, Anthony Gomez and Kevin Brahney return to the Boomers relief corps. Versatile infielder Cameron Scherrer also returns. In all, 15 players from the 2014 championship team will be coming back to the northwest suburbs for spring training. 

“We are very excited to have such a large group returning this year. These guys have set a very high standard for themselves and I am very anxious to watch them compete as we go through camp.” said Bennett, the 2013 Frontier League Manager of the Year.  “Aside from knowing what to expect from them ability wise... It is always nice to have guys who have been with our organization and know how we like to do things. They take a lot of pride in the way they play the game and the culture they have helped establish in #Boomerica.”

Bennett also announced the signing of pitcher Edwin Carl, the first player in Boomers history to be signed by a major league team when the Los Angeles Dodgers plucked him from the Schaumburg roster in June of 2013.  Some new faces arriving with MLB affiliated minor league experience include pitcher Clayton Crum (Rays 2013), outfielder Yoenny Gonzalez (Cardinals. 2012-13) and infielders Joel Hutter (Orioles. 2012-14), Mike Schulze (Cardinals 2013-14) and Des Plaines native Ryan Tuntland (Giants 2013-14). 

Other new additions to the defending champions include former Florence Freedom righty Edgar Valle, Japanese reliever Hideyoshi Otake, and Arlington Heights product Scott Plaza. Infielder Jose Ruiz arrives in Schaumburg after being named the 2014 NAIA Player of the Year his senior season at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Derrick Pitts and former Frontier Grey Tillman Pugh will look to add quality depth to the Boomers outfield.

The Schaumburg Boomers open the 2015 season with Championship Weekend featuring three straight days of fireworks along with a Championship Ring Ceremony on Friday, May 22 when the Boomers open against the Lake Erie Crushers at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available now by calling 847.461.3695, online at www.boomersbaseball.com or in person at the Boomers Stadium Box Office located at 1999 S. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg.

More Info: The 2013 & 2014 Frontier League Champions and 2013 Organization of the Year, the Schaumburg Boomers are an independent professional baseball franchise based in Schaumburg, Ill. The Boomers have captured the back-to-back titles for the Village of Schaumburg and for team owners’ Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Patrick A Salvi and his wife, Lindy Salvi. The Boomers specialize in providing fun, affordable family entertainment and will be hosting the 2015 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 15th. For more information, visit www.boomersbaseball.com.