Goldeyes add local talent to lineup

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This article was published 27/05/2024 (502 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Logan Warkentin took an extra breath to take in Blue Cross Park on Sunday.

The Winnipeg-born outfielder had been in the stands on countless occasions as a fan but on this day was in the dugout as a member of the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

Warkentin was acquired Saturday evening in a corresponding move after the club transferred the contract of Canadian outfielder Adam Hall to the major-league Milwaukee Brewers.

The Fish turned to the versatile local player — who can also pitch — with a roster spot open

Warkentin’s time with the Goldeyes will likely be short, with more established veterans joining the team in the coming days, but that won’t take away from his first experience as a pro.

“It’s cool,” the 23-year-old told the Free Press on Monday. “You grow up watching those guys thinking it’s a pretty cool experience, and then just to get to be a part of it for however long, it’s pretty special.”

Warkentin, who moved to the hamlet of Domain as a youngster and attended Sanford Collegiate, played minor baseball with Winnipeg South and began his collegiate career at Williston State College (North Dakota) before transferring to Morningside University (Iowa).

Despite batting .357 with 42 RBI in 46 contests in 2021-22 at Williston State, Morningside added Warkentin for his pitching ability. He owned a 3.91 earned run average over 27 career games with the Mustangs and left the program following the 2023-24 season with a year of eligibility remaining.

“It felt like that chapter of my life was ending… so, it just looks like God was working on my side, he gave me a cool opportunity and I’m just gonna run with whatever opportunity I get and just make the most of it,” he said.

Hall, meanwhile, was one of the hottest hitters in independent baseball before being picked up by the Brewers, leading the American Association with a .526 batting average while registering one home run, two RBI, three doubles and seven runs scored in six contests. He became the first member of the Goldeyes to move to a major-league organization since Canadian relief pitcher Will McAffer in January 2023 (Kansas City Royals), and the 87th in club history.

“Super happy for Adam,” said manager Logan Watkins. “It’s always bittersweet because obviously you’re losing a really good player and it’s almost impossible to replace that right way. It’ll be a bit of a process trying to fill his shoes and sign a guy that we feel is more of a long-term deal.

“Logan is probably going to be a short-term fill-in… but, it is nice having Logan available for us because we’re going to probably have other instances where we have injuries throughout the year and it’s good to have someone in our own backyard that can hit and pitch.”

The Fish (7-9) enjoyed a day off Monday before heading to Fargo where they will begin a three-game series against the West-Division leading Redhawks on Tuesday (7:30 p.m.). The club returns home for a six-game stretch, beginning Friday against the Lincoln Saltdogs.

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X:@jfreysam