Rowan to Play for Willmar Stingers in Northwoods League during Summer Baseball

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University designated hitter and outfielder Mitchell Rowan (Jr., Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS) will play summer baseball with the Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League. The Stingers play their home game at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, Minn.

The Northwoods League season begins on Wednesday, June 1, when the Stingers will host the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Willmar is scheduled to play 70 games, ending on August 14.

Rowan was named First Team All-West Region in 2010 and was a First Team Preseason All-America selection by D3baseball.com this spring. He is returning to action after missing most of Willamette's 2011 season with a broken hand.

"I am excited about Mitch's opportunity to play in the Northwoods League this summer," said Willamette Head Coach Aaron Swick, who was an assistant coach with the Green Bay Bullfrogs in the Northwoods League in 2007 and 2008.

"He will face some intense competition while at the same time being able to experience a different part of the country," Swick added. "It is considered one of the premier summer collegiate baseball leagues in the nation."

This spring, Rowan played in seven games for the Bearcats prior to his injury. He hit .393 with two doubles and two triples in 28 at bats.

In 2010, Rowan led Willamette with a .403 batting average and also topped the offensive charts with 42 RBIs, 41 runs scored, 12 home runs and a .721 slugging percentage. He also belted 13 doubles and went 13 for 13 on stolen bases. He earned First Team All-NWC honors in 2010.

During just over two seasons of playing time, Rowan has achieved a .364 career batting average. He has pounded out 17 homers and 21 doubles, while earning a .624 career slugging percentage. He has been successful on 16 of 18 stolen base attempts and has a .972 fielding percentage on defense.

Rowan is the first player from the Northwest Conference to play in the Northwoods League. The league has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other summer collegiate baseball league in North America.

The Northwoods League had more than 160 former players drafted into professional baseball in 2011. There are currently 37 alums from the Northwoods League competing in Major League Baseball.