Gull Lake Grad Returns to the Bombers, Part of Two Signees

The Battle Creek Bombers are bringing back two players from last season, including a Gull Lake graduate.

The Northwoods League squad announced today that Central Michigan junior pitcher Colton Bradley and Wabash Valley College sophomore infielder Jarrod Watkins will return to the Cereal City this summer.

Bradley is a right-handed pitcher that played for the Gull Lake Blue Devils before moving to Central Michigan. The Augusta native pitched the latter portion of the season for the Bombers, allowing just three hits in seven appearances and holding a 2.38 ERA with 13 strikeouts.

Bombers Head Coach Brian Solemsaas says that Bradley "is a tremendous young man and a good ballplayer.In his short time with us last summer, his teammates and fans really embraced him. He features a low to mid 90s fastball with a hard breaking ball that makes him very tough to hit at the back end of our bullpen. I'm very happy to have him back for one more summer."

Watkins will play his first season at Wabash Valley College (IL) this year after transferring from Central Michigan. The Washington, Illinois, native batted .250 with 35 RBI in 180 at-bats last summer for the Bombers.

Solemsaas stated that Watkins "is a versatile player that can play second, third and shortstop. He brings a lot of energy and gives us options offensively at the top of the order. I'm looking forward to see his growth as a player."

The Bomb Squad will open the 2017 Northwoods League season Tuesday, May 30th, when they host the Lakeshore Chinooks at C.O. Brown Stadium.