(Updated September 2024)
Every August since 2006, Bill Hickman, our Big Train historian and board member, has taken a snapshot of how many former Big Train players have been active professional baseball players. The 50 Big Train alumni now in pro ball is the highest ever.
Twelve of the 50 have been playing in the major leagues: Hunter Renfroe (Kansas City Royals), Ty France (Cincinnati Reds), Hunter Brown (Houston Astros), J.P. France (Houston Astros), Logan Gilbert (Seattle Mariners), Joe Mantiply (Arizona Diamondbacks), Nolan Schanuel (Los Angeles Angels), Alec Burleson (St. Louis Cardinals), Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays), Matt Bowman (Baltimore Orioles), Ken Waldichuk (Oakland Athletics, and Logan Driscoll (Rays).
After 25 seasons, a grand total of 226 Big Train alumni have played professional baseball with 24 having made it to the major leagues. Bill reports that the prevalence of Big Train alumni in the professional baseball ranks has changed dramatically over the years. In the first dozen years of tracking this measurement, we averaged 30 alumni per year in pro baseball. Over the past seven years (2018-2024), we have averaged 43 alumni per year in pro baseball. These numbers do not count two alumni now coaching in pro ball, Bill Murphy at the major league level (Astros’ pitching coach) and Brad Marcelino at the minor league level (Visalia Rawhide hitting coach).
We are proud that many of our former players have gone on to enjoy such success in baseball, and we are looking forward to continuing to hear good news about them.
Manager Sal Colangelo reflects on the extraordinary success of his players: “I really enjoy teaching and inspiring others to be their best on the field. We try to create an environment that people want to be a part of, enjoy and grow within our organization. As a staff we try to provide the tools to help them be successful but setting them up for life after baseball.”
See the full list of Big Train alumni now playing professional baseball.
Written and compiled by Bill Hickman
Big Train Major Leaguers
As of August 31, 2024, there are 50 Big Train alumni playing professional baseball.
Kemp Alderman, OF (BT 2021) Beloit Sky Carp (Miami Marlins - Midwest Lg. - Hi A) .278, 20 hits, 7 RBI, in 19 games; after starting season with Jupiter Hammerheads (Fla. State Lg. - Lo A) .270, 34 hits, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 18 runs scored, in 33 games; and with a rehab stint with the FCL Marlins (Florida Complex Lg. - Rookie) .133, 2 hits, 2 RBI, in 5 games.
Andrew Bechtold, 3B/RHP (BT 2015) New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays - Eastern Lg. - AA) 0-5, 5.96 ERA, 22.2 IP, in 22 games; after beginning season with Buffalo Bisons (International Lg. - AAA) 1-0, 12.46 ERA, 4.1 IP, in 4 games.
Merritt Beeker, LHP (BT 2022) Fredericksburg Nationals (Washington Nationals.- Carolina Lg. - Lo A) 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 1 IP, in 1 game.
Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) Baltimore Orioles (American Lg. - MLB) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.1 IP, in 1 game; after earlier stints with Tidewater Tides (Baltimore Orioles - International Lg. - AAA) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 IP, in 2 games; St. Paul Saints (Minnesota Twins - International Lg. - AAA) 0-0, 1 save, 2.79 ERA, 9.2 IP, in 8 games; Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) 0-0, 2.35 ERA, 3 holds, 7.2 IP, in 5 games; Arizona Diamondbacks (National Lg. - MLB) 0-0. 8.10 ERA, 6.9 IP, in 4 games; Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners - PCL - AAA) 2-0, 2.25 ERA, 16 IP, in 13 games; and Seattle Mariners (American Lg. - MLB) 0-0, 13.50 ERA, 0.2 IP, in 1 game.
Michael Boyle, LHP (BT 2013) Leones de Yucatan (Mexican Lg. - IND) 2-0, 3.86 ERA, 9.1 IP, in 9 games; after starting season with St. Paul Saints (Minnesota Twins - International Lg. - AAA) 0-0, 1 save, 7.71 ERA, 9.1 IP, in 10 games.
Hunter Brown, RHP (BT 2018) Houston Astros (American Lg. - MLB) 11-7, 3.72 ERA, 140.1 IP, in 26 games.
Alec Burleson, OF (BT 2018) St. Louis Cardinals (National Lg. - MLB) .276, 120 hits, 21 HR, 70 RBI, in 119 games.
Everett Catlett, LHP (BT 2021) Signed with Colorado Rockies.
Brandon Clarke, LHP (BT 2022-23) Signed with Boston Red Sox.
Chris Clarke, RHP (BT 2018) Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs - PCL - AAA) 1-2, 5.00 ERA, 45 IP, in 13 games; on IL.
Jack Cone, OF/RHP (BT 2021) Ogden Raptors (Pioneer Lg. - IND) .352, 108 hits, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 85 runs scored, in 81 games as outfielder; 0-0, 4.91 ERA, 3.2 IP, in 4 games as pitcher.
Carter Cunningham, OF (BT 2023) Dunedin Blue Jays (Toronto Blue Jays - Florida State Lg. - Lo A) .239, 11 hits, 1 HR, 8 RBI, in 16 games.
Gio Diaz, SS/2B (BT 2019) Gary South Shore RailCats (American Association - IND) .253, 91 hits, 38 runs scored, 27 stolen bases, in 90 games.
Logan Driscoll, C (BT 2017) Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays - International Lg. - AAA) .278, 69 hits, 7 HR, 36 RBI, in 67 games; with a rehab stint with the FCL Rays (Florida Complex Lg. - Rookie) .143, 1 hit, 1 run scored, in 2 games.
Jake Eddington, RHP (BT 2021) Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Philadelphia Phillies - Hi A) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 IP, in 1 game; after starting season with Clearwater Threshers (Fla. State Lg. - Lo A ) 2-1, 4.55 ERA, 29.2 IP, in 15 games; plus rehab stint with FCL Phillies (Philadelphia Phillies - Florida Complex Lg. - Rookie) rehab - 0-0, 1.50 ERA, 6 IP, in 5 games
J. P. France, RHP (BT 2014) On Houston Astros' roster, although injured; Had brief stint with Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros - PCL - AAA) 0-0. 7.36 ERA, 3.2 ERA, in 1 game; after starting season with Houston Astros (American Lg. - MLB) 0-3, 7.46 ERA, 25.1 IP, in 3 games; on injured list and out for remainder of the season.
Tyler "Ty" France, 1B (BT 2013) Cincinnati Reds (National Lg. - MLB) .250, 16 hits, 3 HR, 6 RBI, in 20 games; after starting season with Seattle Mariners (American Lg. - MLB) .223, 67 hits, 27 runs scored, 8 HR, 31 RBI, in 88 games.
Austin Gauthier, SS (BT 2021) Oklahoma City Baseball Club (Los Angeles Dodger - PCL - AAA) .265, 75 hits, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 29 runs scored, in 82 games; after starting season with Tulsa Drillers (Texas Lg. - AA) .280, 23 hits, 4 HR, 17 RBI, in 24 games.
Logan Gilbert, RHP (BT 2016) Seattle Mariners (American Lg. - MLB) 7-10, 3.21 ERA, 165.2 IP, in 26 games.
Josh Grosz, RHP (BT 2021) Hudson Valley Renegades (New York Yankees (So. Atlantic Lg. - Hi A) 3-1, 2.57 ERA, 21 IP, in 4 games; after starting season with Tampa Tarpons (Fla. State Lg. - Lo A) 3-5, 4.00 ERA, 78.2 IP, in 16 games; and Somerset Patriots (Eastern Lg. - AA) 0-1, 11.25 ERA, 4 IP, in one game.
Grayson Hitt, LHP (BT 2021) ACL Diamondbacks (Arizona Diamondbacks - Arizona Complex Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 15.00 ERA, 6 IP, in 6 games.
Jack Hostetler, RHP (BT 2023) Signed with Milwaukee Brewers.
Cade Hunter, C (BT 2019) Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds - Midwest Lg. - Hi A) .198, 65 hits, 7 HR, 41 RBI, 46 runs scored, in 96 games.
Andrew "A.J." Jones, RHP (BT 2017) Kane County Cougars (American Association - IND) 1-2, 5.18 ERA, 50.1 IP, in 22 games.
Kobe Kato, 2B (BT 2019) Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners - Southern Lg. - AA) .074, 2 hits, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, in 9 games; after other stints with Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners - PCL - AAA) .556, 10 hits, 7 RBI, 8 runs scored, in 5 games ; Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros - Texas Lg. -- AA) .000, in ! AB, in 1 game; York Revolution (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .252, 56 hits, 49 runs scored, 27 SB, 6 HR, 26 RBI, in 62 games; and ACL Mariners (Ariz. Complex Lg. - Rookie) .409, 9 hits, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 runs scored in 6 games.
Grant Knipp, C/1B/RHP (BT 2021) Signed with Seattle Mariners.
Garrett Kueber, SS (BT 2017) Northern Colorado Owlz (Pioneer Lg. - IND) .253, 57 hits, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 53 runs scored, in 68 games.
Chase Lee, RHP (BT 2019) Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers - International Lg. - AAA) 0-1, 3.12 ERA, 8.9 IP, in 6 games; after beginning season with Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers - PCL - AAA) 0-0, 1.69 ERA, 10.2 IP, in 8 games; after a rehab stint with ACL Rangers (Arizona Complex Lg. - Rookie) 1-0, 2.70 ERA, 3.1 IP, in 3 games.
Jordan Little, RHP (BT 2022) Signed with Cincinnati Reds.
Carlos Lomeli, RHP (BT 2018) Rocky Mountain Vibes (Pioneer Lg. - IND) 5-5, 6.08 ERA, 77.0 IP, in 16 games.
Brandon Lowe, 2B/OF (BT 2014) Tampa Bay Rays (American Lg. - MLB) .242, 67 hits, 16 HR, 48 RBI, in 79 games; had rehab stint with Durham Bulls (International Lg. - AAA) .235, 4 hits, 2 HR, 8 RBI, in 6 games.
Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Arizona Diamondbacks (National Lg. - MLB) 6-2, 1 save, 3.54 ERA, 13 holds, 48.1 IP, in 59 games.
Brad Marcelino, Coach (BT 2002 outfielder) Visalia Rawhide (Arizona Diamondbacks - California Lg. - Hi A) Hitting coach.
Christian Martin, SS (BT 2021) Palm Beach Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals - Florida State Lg. - Lo A) .189, 7 hits, 13 BB, 12 runs scored, in 13 games.
John A. Murphy, RHP (BT 2016-17) Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds - Midwest Lg. - Hi A) 4-1, 7 saves, 2.02 ERA, 35.2 IP, in 27 games. Had brief stint with Louisville Bats (International Lg. - AAA) 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, in 2 games.
William "Billy" Murphy, Coach (BT 2008 pitcher) Houston Astros (American Lg. - MLB) Co-Pitching Coach
Joe Nahas, RHP (BT 2017) Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs - Southern Lg. - AA) 4-1, 4.36 ERA, 43.1 IP, in 20 games; after starting season with South Bend Cubs (Midwest Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 2 saves, 2.38 ERA, 11.1 IP, in 6 games.
Tyler Naumann, LHP (BT 2019) Idaho Falls Chukars (Pioneer Lg. - IND) 3-2, 5.94 ERA, 36.1 IP, in 8 games; after starting season with Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier Lg. - IND) 1-3, 1 save, 6.23 ERA, 21.2 IP, in 12 games.
James Outman, OF (BT 2017) Los Angeles Dodgers (National Lg. - MLB) .149, 20 hits, 4 HR, 11 RBI, in 50 games. Had stint with Oklahoma City Baseball Club (L.A. Dodgers - PCL - AAA) .251, 47 hits, 44 runs scored, 11 HR, 27 RBI, in 49 games;
Emilien Pitre, 2B (BT 2022) Charleston River Dogs (Tampa Bay Rays.- Carolina Lg. - Lo A) .250, 8 hits, 3 RBI, 5 runs scored, in 9 games.
Dalton Ponce, RHP (BT 2019) Savannah Party Animals (Barnstorming Team with Savannah Bananas) stats not published.
Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) Kansas City Royals (American Lg. - MLB) .238, 79 hits, 12 HR, 47 RBI, in 103 games.
Erik Ritchie, LHP (BT 2022) Signed with Philadelphia Phillies.
Kyle Robinson, RHP (BT 2021) Stockton Ports (Oakland Athletics - California Lg. - Lo A) 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, in 1 game.
Nolan Schanuel, 1B (BT 2021) Los Angeles Angels (American Lg. - MLB) .253, 100 hits, 12 HR, 41 RBI, 54 runs scored, in 120 games.
Jason Schiavone, C (BT 2022-23) Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Houston Astros - Carolina Lg. - Lo A) .206, 7 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI, in 11 games.
Carter Spivey, RHP (BT 2019) Lake County Captains (Cleveland Guardians - Midwest Lg. - Hi A) 7-1, 3.46 ERA, 109.1 IP, in 21 games.
Drew Strotman, RHP (BT 2015-16) Sacramento River Cats (San Francisco Giants - PCL - AAA) 0-0, 4.15 ERA, 4.1 IP, in 4 games; after starting season with Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros - PCL - AAA) 0-1, 1 save, 6.51 ERA, 13.2 IP, in 14 games; and Corpus Christi Hooks ( Texas Lg. - AA) 3-1, 1 save, 1.88 ERA, 24 IP, in 15 games.
Carson Taylor, C (BT 2018) Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies - Eastern Lg. - AA) .278, 89 hits, 16 HR, 69 RBI, in 94 games.
Colin Tuft, C (BT 2021) Delmarva Shorebirds (Baltimore Orioles - Carolina Lg. - Lo A) .167, 4 hits, 2 RBI, 3 runs scored, in 8 games.
Ken Waldichuk, LHP (BT 2017) Oakland Athletics (American Lg. - MLB) Had reconstructive surgery on his pitching elbow. Will be out all season.
Justin Wylie, 2B (BT 2018) Gastonia Baseball Club (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .264, 97 hits, 31 HR, 78 RBI, 85 runs scored, in 102 games.
628 players have played for the Big Train in our 25-year history. Click here to see a full list of our alumni.
