Dynamic Duo Acquired to Bolster Pitching Staff

The Wild Things announced today the signing of two former Traverse City Beach Bums, LHP John Havird and RHP Tyler Barss.

Entering his third year of professional baseball Havird has made a collective 36 starts. Totaling over 209 innings, he has struck out 170 batters and posted a 3.73 ERA. Over 2 seasons he has a career record of 9-16 but those numbers are deceiving, as 12 of Havird's 16 losses have come with his offense scoring 2 or fewer runs in the contest.

As an Ohio State Buckeye he made 16 starts and earned 10 wins. His best season came as a senior where he thew 94 innings and helped OSU to a 44-20-1 record.

“Reliable starters who routinely throw 100+ innings do not grow on trees. His development over two seasons was something we followed" said Assistant General Manager Tony Buccilli. "He works at quick pace, attacks and has been a challenge for hitters from both sides of the plate. John was very excited about the opportunity we outlined in Washington and we are lucky to have him. He has top of the rotation ability and a great feel for the game.”

Beach Bum teammate Tyler Barss also joins the East Division Champions after becoming a free agent for '19. Making 23 appearances out of the bullpen the righty struck out 40 and ranked top 5 on staff with a 3.08 ERA. He was used in a late/setup role in Traverse, something he also succeed with during his collegiate times.

Barss finished his college career in 2018 at the University of Rhode Island, where he was teammates with recently signed Wild Thing RHP Taso Stathopolous. The New Hampshire native collected 29 saves over his tenure and struck out 88 batters in the final 86+ innings he threw. In 2017 he secured a sparkling 1.38 ERA, which was one of the best in the Atlantic 10.

“Tyler was a guy we had circled as a priority sign. He was dominant versus right-handed hitters in his first season professionally" said Assistant General Manager Tony Buccilli. "Manager Gregg Langbehn raved about the kid's off-speed and pitchability, so it was a no-brainer for us. We expect to slot Tyler into a back-end role and believe we can iron out some wrinkles to make him dynamic versus lefties as well.”

The Wild Things look to keep their East Division crown as they open the season Thursday, May 9 at River City, with the home opener slated for Friday, May 17 at Wild Things Park.