GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2022
Contact: Ryan Zimmerman
Phone: 219-882-2255
[email protected] 

Walraven and Welz Re-Up with RailCats 

Gary, IN – The Gary SouthShore RailCats return two key pieces from last year’s roster for the 2022 season in Tom Walraven and Zach Welz. The pair of American Association veterans are both back for their third years at the U.S. Steel Yard. 

Walraven, 27, built upon an impressive 2019 rookie campaign in his second season as a RailCat. In 71 games, he slashed .281/.341/.408 over 267 at-bats. His six home runs and 46 runs batted in topped the ball club while his 16 doubles tied Daniel Lingua atop the team leaderboard. He also ranked second in runs (40), third in hits (75), and fifth in walks (26). 

“Tom showed a lot of promise as a budding player in the American Association last season,” manager Lamarr Rogers said. “I look forward to watching him continue to build upon that success.” 

While this is the Pine Bush, N.Y. native’s third season with the RailCats, it is his fourth in professional baseball, as he appeared for the Winnipeg Goldeyes in 2020.  

Welz, 29, heads back to Gary after suiting up in 43 games last season. He hit .264 in that stretch with 38 hits, 25 RBI, 22 walks, 10 stolen bases, and nine doubles. His five triples also tied Lingua’s total for the team lead. 

“Zach returns as a steady and experienced leader in the locker room and on the field,” Rogers said. “Injuries dampened his impact last season, but now that he’s healthy, I look forward to Zach displaying his true talent.” 

Welz, who hails from Sacramento, Calif., joined the RailCats in 2019 after spending three years in the Los Angeles Angels organization. He signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015 following his graduation from Texas Southern University and progressed to Double-A just one year later. After parts of two seasons with the Arkansas Travelers and Mobile BayBears, the team’s then-affiliates at that level, Welz joined the Evansville Otters in 2017, where he played for a season-and-a-half. 

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The RailCats 2022 season begins at the Steel Yard on Friday, May 20 vs Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2022 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing [email protected].