After an impressive career at Hillsdale College, another Charger baseball alum is getting an opportunity to play pro ball.
2022 graduate James Krick, whose playing career at Hillsdale ended just two weeks ago, has made the opening day roster of a United Shores Professional Baseball League club, signing with the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers for the summer 2022 season. The USPBL kicks off play this weekend, with Krick's new team scheduled to play its season opener at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Jimmy John's Field in Utica, Michigan.
The USPBL is a growing independent league based out of Jimmy John's Field in Utica, located north and east of the city of Detroit. The USPBL has previously signed former Charger All-Americans Luke Ortel, Ethan Wiskur, Chris McDonald and Steven Ring to pro contracts, as well as 2021 graduate and pitcher Andrew Verbrugge this past year. Krick is Hillsdale's sixth alumnus to sign a contract to play in the league in the USPBL's seven-year history.
Krick was a standout for the Chargers, earning three All-G-MAC honors in a five-year career. The Downers Grove, Illinois native had a big impact at the plate as an outfielder, first baseman and designated hitter throughout his career, hitting .298 with a .515 slugging percentage, including 17 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs and 83 RBIs. His 19 career home runs are tied for the 10th-most all-time in Hillsdale baseball history.
While Krick was a solid performer at the plate throughout his career, he also made a substantial contribution as a pitcher for the Chargers in all four seasons he played, and that's where his professional future lies. Krick is coming off his best season on the mound as a senior, going 4-2 with two saves in 13 appearances with a 3.04 ERA and 31 strikeouts as one of Hillsdale's top relievers in the 2022 campaign. He'll look to continue to develop on the mound as a professional player.
For more information on the league and how to watch, visit the USPBL website here.
Photo by Gwen Buchhop