HIGH HOPES FOR GATEWAY GRIZZLIES 23RD SEASON IN THE LEAGUE
The Gateway Grizzlies enter their 23rd season in the Frontier League as reigning West Division Champions following a 59-37 season that saw them record their first winning season in nine years and first playoff appearance in 11 years. In the process, the Grizzlies also became the fourth organization in league history to surpass the 1,000-win mark, and held at least a share of first place in the West for 103 of 115 days, representing 90% of the regular season.
The 2023 Grizzlies were led by their formidable offense, which ranked among the best in the circuit all season long. They set a league record with 236 stolen bases, smashing the previous mark of 204, with postseason all-star outfielder Jairus Richards swiping 75 bases individually, also a new Frontier League record. Gateway also placed inside the league's top-5 in batting average, on-base percentage, hits, runs scored, fewest strikeouts, home runs and walks.
On the pitching side, Gateway arms also struck out 883 opposing batters, leading the Frontier League, and placed inside the top-5 in both team ERA and WHIP while also walking the second-fewest batters of any club.
In 2024, the Grizzlies will welcome back all-star hitters D.J. Stewart, Peter Zimmermann, Gabe Holt, and Abdiel Diaz to lead their lineup alongside utilityman and native St. Louisan Mark Vierling, outfielder Cole Brannen, and veteran player-coach Kyle Gaedele. Catchers Jose Alvarez and Kevin Krause as well as outfielders Andrew Moritz and Michael Sandle, all of whom come to the team with high-level affiliated experience, are also expected to make an impact.
On the mound, 10-game winner Collin Sullivan returns after leading the Frontier League with a Grizzlies club-record 135 strikeouts. Lukas Veinbergs also comes back to Sauget for a third season with the team, with reliable relievers Alec Whaley and Nate Garkow also returning alongside newcomers Dylan Castaneda, Ryne Moore, Matt Hickey, Deylan Miley and others as the Grizzlies look to defend their West Division crown.
