LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS PREPARING FOR 2024 SEASON EXCITEMENT
The Lake Erie Crushers are looking ahead to the 2024 season after a tough season last year, with a record of 37-59. The beautiful thing about sports, however, is the promise of a fresh start, the promise of starting 0-0, the assurance of a new beginning. The Crushers will dawn new beginnings in 2024 in several ways, firstly with a new ownership group. On March 7, 2024, it was officially announced that former owners, Tom and Jacqueline Kramig, were selling the team to a local investor group comprised of former Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group CEO, Len Komoroski, and local investor, entrepreneur, and Howley Foundation chairman, Nick Howley. With the team's purchase came the institution of a new team president, Vic Gregovits, who has decades of sport management experience with the Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians), Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Louisville Bats.
The new ownership group has voiced its commitment to providing a family-oriented, community-focused environment for northeast Ohio to enjoy while also utilizing the team's resources to create incredible fan experience and excellent on-field play.
Jared Lemieux will return for his second season as the Crushers Team Manager, flanked by new Hitting Coach Jerry Gonzalez, who was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2007 MLB Draft. In 2007, he was a member of the MiLB Champions, the Orem Owlz, in which he finished the season with a .325 batting average. Gonzalez has spent time playing in the American and Pacific Associations, as well as coaching high school and collegiate baseball. He joined the 2023 season with the Empire Greys of the Frontier League. He is a strong hitting instructor and mentor to many Major League players today. Another new addition to the coaching staff is Pitching Coach Jonathan Albaladejo, a 19th round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2001. Albaladejo spent time pitching for the Washington Nationals, New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. He finished his career with 66 MLB appearances and a respectable 4.34 ERA. Growth is on the horizon, as Lemieux, Gonzalez and Albaladejo look to make a jump in the 2024 standings.
The Crushers will welcome back some key players from last season, including left-handed pitcher and Frontier League All-Star, Darrien Ragins. "He brings a lot of energy to the team," says Lemieux, "He had a great season last year and we hope to build off that this season." Right-handed pitchers, Matt Mulhearn and Trevor Kuncl will also be returning to the mound for the Crushers in 2024. "I'm excited about what they bring to the table," says Lemieux, "I believe they will be an integral part of our success." Outfielder Jack Harris highlights the lineup for Lake Erie, entering his third season with the Crushers with a .280/.329/.477 (AVG/OBP/SLG) slash line in 96 games. Harris was also 15-17 in stolen base attempts in 2023, opening the door for team speed to be a factor in 2024. Another 2023 All-Star, Jarrod Watkins (IF), will be returning to the Crushers this year. Watkins has been working hard in the offseason with his friend, and Crushers newcomer, Ethan Skender (IF). "I'm excited to see this duo spinning double plays in the middle," says Lemieux.
The Crushers have signed lots of fresh faces for the 2024 season, including Justin Farmer (OF). Farmer played within the Padres organization last year and has "a high baseball IQ and an exciting combination of speed and power," says Lemieux. Alfredo Gonzalez (C) also joins the team with an impressive resume, playing with the Chicago White Sox in 2018, and within the Houston Astros organization in 2015. Local talent, Kenny Pierson (LHP) is excited to play in front of a local crowd and do great things for the team out of the bullpen. Another new pitcher, Leonardo Rodriguez (RHP), looks to make a difference with the Crushers after a busy offseason of working with coaches within the Mets organization.
When talking about strategy, Lemieux explains, "We're looking to win a championship and have fun while we're doing it. It's about growth, both on the field as a baseball player and off the field as a person. With a good group of guys returning, as well as some exciting new faces in the rotation & bullpen, I think the sky is the limit for this group. Good, clean baseball is going to be our road to success."
The Lake Erie Crushers home opener is set for Friday, May 10th at 7:05pm against the Gateway Grizzlies at Crushers Stadium in Avon, OH. Magnet schedules will be given to fans at the front gate, and fireworks will close out the night. Opening day tickets are currently buy one, get one FREE! Buy tickets today at www.LakeErieCrushers.com!
