Balkwill Signs With Frontier League’s ThunderBolts

Chatham’s Larry Balkwill is heading to Chicago, as the catcher has signed with the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league.

Balkwill who played professionally last season for the Quebec Capitales, hitting .205 in 14 games, including 5 RBIs, before an injury ended his season.

“I’m just hoping to stay healthy and put together a good season for my team and myself,” Balkwill told CKSN about his upcoming season.

Balkwill had been playing winter ball in the Myrtle Beach Winter League, and in California as well.

The 14-team Frontier League operates out of the United States’ Midwest and is the country’s longest running independent professional league.

Prior to playing in Quebec, Balkwill, who is a former Detroit Tigers draft pick, playing for the IBL’s London Majors, and NCAA’s Sienna Saints. He also signed with the pro Sonoma Stompers in 2014, but was unable to play due to visa issues.

The Windy City ThunderBolts open their 2015 Frontier League season May 14 when they host the Schaumburg Boomers.