The Schaumburg Boomers have added a highly touted bat and potential cornerstone to their 2016 roster, acquiring first baseman Ino Patron and a player to be named later from the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association in exchange for starting pitcher Eddie Cody, a Frontier League All-Star in 2015.

The lefty swinging Patron, 23, was a standout at Long Beach State (CA) from 2011-2014, finishing his career ranked third on the university’s all-time list with 238 base hits.  The Livermore, California native hit a team-best .308 during his senior season in 2014 and is the Dirtbags’ all-time leader in games started.  In 2015, the first baseman batted .246 in 22 games during his rookie season in Sioux City.

“Ino Patron comes highly recommended to us,” said Boomers manager Jamie Bennett.  “He is a natural hitter and a great defender at first base. He fills a much needed role for us and should be able to come in and be an impact guy.”

A good bat does not come cheaply, as the Boomers part with Cody and his 18-5 record over the past two seasons in Schaumburg.  The sturdy righthander finished tied for second in the Frontier League in wins in 2015 as he compiled a 10-4 record and 2.77 ERA in 120 innings.

“Eddie Cody has been outstanding for us the last two seasons and was a major contributor to our 2014 championship,“ said Bennett. “He is a true competitor and a great teammate who will be missed on the mound as well as in the clubhouse.”

 Fans will get their first shot of Patron at Boomers Stadium on Opening Day, Friday, May 20^th vs. the Windy City Thunderbolts at 6:30 p.m.  Group Outings, Boomer Bundles and Season Tickets for the 2016 season are now available for purchase! Order online at www.boomersbaseball.com, over the phone at 847.461.3695, or in person at the Boomers Box Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.