Avon, Oh—Three of the Lake Erie Crushers veterans have decided to hang up their cleats after the 2010 season.  Second baseman Andrew Saylor and outfielders Arden McWilliams and Wayne Bond have each announced their retirement from professional baseball.

Saylor, a Wadsworth, Ohio native, joined the Crushers in the 2009 season as an important part of the Crushers inaugural season championship both at the plate and on the field.  Batting second in the line-up for the majority of the season, Saylor hit .302 and led the team in doubles with 26.  He was a part of one of the most dangerous defensive combinations with shortstop Jodam Rivera assisting on 64 double plays.  He also posted a .984 fielding percentage for the season.

Saylor took on the role of player-coach in 2010 and had an influential presence not only in the clubhouse but in the Avon community as well.  He was awarded the 2010 Frontier League Fran Riordan Citizenship Award for his work in the community and for serving as a volunteer coach for the Cleveland State University Vikings during their 2010 season.  Saylor finished the 2010 season with 59 hits in 77 games. 

McWilliams, a 2004 graduate of local Shaker Heights High School, was also a member of the Crushers 2009 championship season.  Playing right field for the majority of the season, McWilliams batted .257 and recorded 51 RBIs in 84 games played.  In 2010, he played in 81 games and finished the season with 8 home runs and 24 RBI.

Another key player throughout the past two seasons, Bond held a significant presence in the outfield for the Crushers.  During the championship season in 2009, he hit .259 with 49 runs and 36 RBIs in 86 games.  In 2010, Bond played in 83 games and finished with 54 hits and 24 RBI. 

"Ardie, Drew and Wayne were each a big part of our success in our first two seasons. They each helped bring a championship to Avon. We will miss them and wish them nothing but the best in the future," commented Field Manager John Massarelli. 

“All three players were intricate piece to the Crushers inaugural season Championship.  We will miss them not only for their play on the field but also their presence within the clubhouse and in the community, said Crushers owner Steven Edelson, “We wish all three the best of luck in their future careers.”

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium, a 5,000 capacity stadium located in Avon, OH. All Pro Freight Stadium is also the home to the Cleveland State University baseball team. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2011 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.

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