Chris Kwitzer (born January 26, 1995) is an American professional baseball infielder for the New York Boulders of the Frontier League. He played for the Spain national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualification.
| Chris Kwitzer | |
|---|---|
| New York Boulders – No. 9 | |
| infielder | |
| Born: January 26, 1995 Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right |
Early life & College career
editBorn on January 26, 1995, in Buffalo, New York, to Mark and Ann. Kwitzer attended Saint Mary's High School in Lancaster. Kwitzer earned eight letters and was captain six times for St. Mary's, where he played hockey and football along with baseball.[1]
Kwitzer played college baseball for the Buffalo Bulls and was named All-MAC First team in 2017.[2] Over 158 games, Kwitzer hit eight home runs, 30 doubles and 11 triples. He held a .287 batting average and scored 73 runs.
Professional career
editSanta Fe Fuego
editKwitzer began his professional career for the Santa Fe Fuego of the Pecos League in 2018.
In June, Kwitzer joined the Salina Stockade and Hollywood Stars who were guest teams of the Canadian-American Association. After 18 games between the two clubs, Kwitzer returned to the Pecos League where he finished the Fuego's season.
Pittsburg Diamonds
editOn July 31, 2018, Kwitzer appeared in his first game with the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association. In his first game with the Diamonds, Kwitzer hit a grand slam in a 13–3 victory against the Vallejo Admirals.[3]
Over his first professional season across four teams and three leagues, Kwitzer had 33 extra base hits over 75 games while holding a .350 average and 65 runs batted in.
Sonoma Stompers
editIn 2019, the corner infielder produced at a .309/.385/.500 clip with 56 RBIs in 58 games for the Sonoma Stompers of the Pacific Association. His play earned him 2019 Gilded Glove winner at the third base position.[4]
In the winter, Kwitzer played for Aguilas Metropolitanas of the Panamanian Professional Baseball League.[5]
Washington Wild Things
editIn 2020, Kwitzer signed with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he played an abbreviated 18 games with the Wild Things where he held a .296 average over 71 at-bats.
He then joined the Jersey Wise Guys of the All-American Baseball Challenge where he hit .352 over 13 games.[6] In September, Kwitzer joined the Saranac Lake Surge of the Empire Professional Baseball League. Over 11 games, Kwizter went 17–44 with six home runs and 15 RBIs.[7]
Tri-City ValleyCats
editIn April, Kwitzer appeared in games for the newly formed Party Animals who played against the Savannah Bananas.[8]
In 2021, Kwizter signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League. In June, Kwitzer served a three-game suspension for an on-field altercation against the New Jersey Jackals. In August, Kwitzer was suspended 12-games by the Frontier League for a benches-clearing fight in the ninth inning against the Sussex County Miners.[9]
New York Boulders (2022–present)
edit2022: RBI leader
editIn 2022, Kwitzer signed with the New York Boulders of the Frontier League. Over 92 games, Kwitzer had a career high 20 home runs, 24 doubles and a league leading 96 RBIs. He also stole a then career-high 13 bases in 14 attempts while holding a .301 average.
In the fall, Kwitzer signed with the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League. Over 37 games, Kwitzer had eight extra base hits and 19 RBIs.[10]
2023: First All-Star selection and award
editIn 2023, Kwitzer batted .301 for the second consecutive season over 95 games. He was successful in 21 of 23 stolen bases attempts, which was a career high. He was named a Frontier League All-Star where he participated and won the Outfield throwing competition.[11] On August 7, Kwitzer was named Frontier League Player of the Week where he had a 1.429 OPS, nine RBIs, 2 home runs and a .455 average.[12]
National team
editSpain
editPlayed for Spain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualification.[13]
References
edit- ^ "2016-17 Baseball Chris Kwitzer". ubbulls.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "All-MAC Baseball Teams & Specialty Award Winners Announced". getsomemaction.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Statistics As of December 30, 2019". pointstreak.com. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "FOUR STOMPERS WIN GILDED GLOVE AWARDS". Stompersbaseball.com.
- ^ "Statistics As of December 30, 2019". aguilasmetropolitanas.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Chris Kwitzer Overview". baseball-reference.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Chris Kwitzer". empireproleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Former ValleyCat Chris Kwitzer does damage to his old team". timesunion.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "ValleyCats player suspended for rest of season". timesunion.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Cavalry recruit Chris Kwitzer looking to bring the party atmosphere to Canberra". canberratimes.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "2023 ALL-STAR SKILLS CONTEST AND HOME RUN DERBY TONIGHT". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "BOULDERS KWITZER WINS PLAYER OF THE WEEK, WILD THINGS FREGIO WINS PITCHER OF THE WEEK". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Great Britain punches ticket to World Baseball Classic". mlb.com.
External links
edit- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference (Minors)