GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2023
Contact: Ryan Zimmerman
Phone: 219-882-2255
Email: [email protected]    

RailCats Acquire Bockelie from Goldeyes 

Gary, IN – The Gary SouthShore RailCats have added another asset to their infield as they acquired Jacob Bockelie via trade from the Winnipeg Goldeyes in exchange for right-handed pitcher Matt Leon. 

An American Association stalwart, Bockelie, 27, has spent significant time around the league, also suiting up for the Sioux City Explorers, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, and Cleburne Railroaders prior to this season. 

The Shoreline, Washington native attended Division III Pacific Lutheran University where he became a mainstay in the middle of the lineup. In his four seasons as a Lute, he never batted below .320, registering 21 home runs, 110 runs batted in, 150 hits, 28 doubles, 97 walks, and 12 stolen bases in his final three years. His efforts led him to a First Team All-Northwest Conference selection in 2019 as well as All-D3baseball.com First Team and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team honors in 2018. In addition to his individual success, Bockelie helped the team reach the Division III NCAA Tournament in 2015 and 2019. 

In 2020, Bockelie made his way to the one-season Washington Baseball Confederacy in Washington, Pennsylvania, making his professional debut as a member of the Baseball Brilliance. In just 17 games, he put the league on notice, slashing .276/.416/.621 with six home runs, 21 RBIs, and 16 walks.  

Last season as a Railroader, Bockelie settled into an everyday role, playing a big role in their run to the East Division Finals. Over a 55-game stretch, he hit seven home runs, drove in 32 runs, scored 30 runs, and compiled 45 hits, splitting time behind the plate and in the infield. 

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