Esch returns for a second year after providing Manager C.J. Thieleke a very productive two-way player last summer who logged 23 games at third base, 14 at shortstop, six at second base, while also starting on the mound nine times. By the way, he ranked third on the team in both innings pitched (53) and strikeouts (42), only to turn around and become the team’s fourth best hitter at a .284 clip. His 11 doubles were also good for third on the Mallards. Esch’s best game happened July 30 when he went 3-for-4 with two out-of-here-in-a-hurry home runs and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the rival La Crosse Loggers.
Esch has only seen action as a position player this spring, and has been his steady self in hitting .303 with six doubles, two home runs, and 25 RBI over 35 games.
“Esch is a perfect example of what an individual can accomplish from working hard day-in-and-day-out throughout a long Northwoods League season,” said Thieleke.
“Jake took a good summer campaign into the fall and it helped him win a starting job at second base for the Yellow Jackets.”
