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Chris Kwitzer

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chris Kwitzer
Evansville Otters – No. 9
Infielder
Born: (1995-01-26) January 26, 1995 (age 31)
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Career highlights and awards

Chris Kwitzer (born January 26, 1995) is an American professional baseball infielder for the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League. He played for the Spain national baseball team in the 2023 and 2026 World Baseball Classic qualification.

As of 2025, Kwitzer has played in three of the four active MLB Partner Leagues. He has also played in two of the three active Independent leagues. He has also played in four defunct leagues as well as two foreign leagues. Over his eight year professional career he has played in eleven leagues.

Early life and college career

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Born on January 26, 1995, in Buffalo, New York, to Mark and Ann. Kwitzer attended St. Mary's High School in Lancaster. Kwitzer earned eight letters and was captain six times for St. Mary's, where he played hockey and football along with baseball.[1]

Kwitzer played college baseball for the Buffalo Bulls. On February 27, 2017, Kwitzer was named MAC East Player of the Week.[2][3] In his Senior season he was named All-MAC First team at the third base position.[4] Over 158 games, Kwitzer hit eight home runs, 30 doubles and 11 triples. He held a .287 batting average and scored 73 runs.

He also played three years of collegiate summer baseball from 2014 to 2016. In 2014, he played for the Cortland Crush of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. In 2015, he played for the Adirondack Trail Blazers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. In 2016, he played for the St. Cloud Rox of the Northwoods League. In late June, Kwitzer returned to the PGCBL where he played for the Glens Falls Dragons and was named a 2016 PGCBL Eastern Division All-Star.[5] He also participated and won the home run derby.[6]

Professional career

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Santa Fe Fuego

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Kwitzer began his professional career for the Santa Fe Fuego of the Pecos League in 2018. After 11 games, Kwitzer joined the Salina Stockade and Hollywood Stars who were guest teams of the Canadian-American Association. After 18 games between the two clubs, Kwitzer returned to Santa Fe where he was selected to the New Mexico Division All-Star team. He also participated and won the Home Run Derby.[7][8]

Pittsburg Diamonds

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On July 31, 2018, Kwitzer appeared in his first game with the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association. In his first game with the Diamonds, Kwitzer hit a grand slam in a 13–3 victory against the Vallejo Admirals.[9]

Over his first professional season across four teams and three leagues, Kwitzer had 33 extra base hits over 75 games while holding a .350 average and 65 runs batted in.

Sonoma Stompers

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In 2019, the corner infielder produced at a .309/.385/.500 clip with 56 RBIs in 58 games for the Sonoma Stompers of the Pacific Association. His play earned him 2019 Gilded Glove winner at the third base position.[10]

In the winter, Kwitzer played for Aguilas Metropolitanas of the Panamanian Professional Baseball League.[11][12]

Washington Wild Things

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In 2020, Kwitzer signed with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he played an abbreviated 18 games with the Wild Things where he held a .296 average over 71 at-bats.

He then joined the Jersey Wise Guys of the All-American Baseball Challenge where he hit .352 over 13 games.[13] In September, Kwitzer joined the Saranac Lake Surge of the Empire Professional Baseball League. Over 11 games, Kwizter went 17–44 with six home runs and 15 RBIs.[14]

Tri-City ValleyCats

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On November 9, 2020, Kwizter signed with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League.[15] In April, Kwitzer appeared in games for the newly formed Party Animals who played against the Savannah Bananas.[16]

On May 21, 2021, the Lake Erie Crushers traded Kwitzer to the Tri-City ValleyCats before ever appearing in a game.[17] In June, Kwitzer served a three-game suspension for an on-field altercation against the New Jersey Jackals. In August, Kwitzer was suspended 12-games by the Frontier League for a benches-clearing fight in the ninth inning against the Sussex County Miners.[18]

New York Boulders (2022–2024)

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2022: RBI leader

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In 2022, Kwitzer signed with the New York Boulders of the Frontier League. Over 92 games, Kwitzer had a career high 20 home runs, 24 doubles and a league leading 96 RBIs. He also stole a then career-high 13 bases in 14 attempts while holding a .301 average.

In the fall, Kwitzer signed with the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League. Over 37 games, Kwitzer had eight extra base hits and 19 RBIs.[19]

2023: First All-Star selection and award

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In 2023, Kwitzer batted .301 for the second consecutive season over 95 games. He was successful in 21 of 23 stolen bases attempts, which was a career-high. On July 6, 2023, Kwitzer was named an Eastern Division alternate All-Star for the 2023 Frontier League All-Star game.[20] He also participated and won the Outfield throwing competition.[21] On August 7, Kwitzer was named Frontier League Player of the Week where he had a 1.429 OPS, nine RBIs, 2 home runs and a .455 average.[22]

2024 season

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On April 8, 2024, Kwitzer re-signed with the Boulders.[23] On July 5, he was named an Eastern Division All-Star reserve for the 2024 Frontier League All-Star game.[24] In 93 appearances for the Boulders, Kwitzer batted .271/.321/.436 with 14 home runs, 62 RBI, and four stolen bases.

Kwitzer was released by the Boulders on March 27, 2025.[25]

Hagerstown Flying Boxcars

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On March 27, 2025, Kwitzer signed with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[26] In 41 appearances for the Flying Boxcars, he batted .201/.253/.306 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Kwitzer was released by Hagerstown on June 20.[27]

Cleburne Railroaders

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On June 24, 2025, Kwitzer signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[28][29] He reunited with his former manager Pete Incaviglia, who he played for with Tri-City in 2021 season.

Sioux Falls Canaries

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On March 11, 2026, Kwitzer signed with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[30][31] He appeared in 37 games for Sioux Falls before being released on June 29. In 129 at-bats, he batted .256 with 33 hits, 11 runs scored, 16 RBI, eight doubles, and one home run.

Kane County Cougars

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On July 4, 2026, Kwitzer signed with the Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[32] He was released on July 22.

Evansville Otters

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On July 28, 2026, Kwitzer signed with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League.[33][34]

Career statistics

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Independent

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Bold indicates career high. Blue background indicates league leader.

Year Team Lg G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA
2018Santa FePECO 321581404360711142311125.429
2018SalinaCAMA 9353355200110112.152
Hollywood 9383531020140128.286
2018PittsburgPACA 2511295163170118101517.326
2019Sonoma 582732365073142956222961.309
2020WashingtonWASH 1873711021212821118.296
2020JerseyAABC 136054819311631514.352
2021Tri-CityFRON 52154142233710051700638.261
2022New York 9241538268115243209613126104.301
2023New York 95401365521102146482122882.301
2024New York 93418388561052011462422391.271
2025HagerstownATLL 4115414412295221200948.201
2025CleburneAA 59233218204913022811967.225
2026Sioux Falls 3713812911338011600728.256
Kane County[a] 823193200150038.105
2026EvansvilleFRON
Career 6332,6622,43237769713815754145112172613.287
  1. ↑ Kwitzer's first game with Kane County was incorrectly merged with his Sioux Falls statistics and was never corrected by the league, resulting in a discrepancy in the plate appearance totals shown by Baseball-Reference.

Foreign

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Season Team G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA
2019–20Águilas 517142310000025.214
2022–23Canberra 3714814018344131901428.243

College

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Year Team Lg G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA
2014BuffaloMAC 257364914311920816.219
2015Buffalo 4719118020476601841742.261
2016Buffalo 451951652347122323331730.285
2017Buffalo 41174155215492430201738.348
Career 15863356473162301188011449126.287

International career

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Spain

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Played for Spain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualification.[35] Played in all four games as a right fielder and designated hitter, with a .313 average (5 for 16, 2B, 2 RBI, BB).[36] He also represented Spain during the 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers and was described on the WBSC website as "known to be the centre of the offence."[37]

Leagues

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As of 2025, Kwitzer is one of the few professional baseball players to play in eleven professional leagues. Though some of the leagues have lost professional status according to Baseball Reference, below is a list of all of the leagues that Kwitzer has played in.

Career
Affiliation League Period Team(s)
MLB Partner Leagues American Association 2025–present Cleburne Railroaders
Atlantic League 2025 Hagerstown Flying Boxcars
Frontier League 2021–2024 Tri-City ValleyCats, New York Boulders
Independent Leagues Empire League * 2020 Saranac Lake Surge
Pecos League * 2018 Sante Fe Fuego
Defunct Leagues All-American Baseball Challenge 2020 Jersey Wise Guys
Canadian-American Association 2018 Salina Stockade, Hollywood Stars
Pacific Association 2018–2019 Pittsburg Diamonds, Sonoma Stompers
Washington League 2020 Washington Wild Things
Foreign Leagues Australian Baseball League 2022–23 Canberra Cavalry
Panamanian Professional Baseball League * 2019–20 Aguilas Metropolitanas
  • *Indicates lost professional status

References

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  1. ↑ "2016-17 Baseball Chris Kwitzer". ubbulls.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  2. ↑ "UB's Chris Kwitzer Named MAC East Player Of The Week". pickinsplinters.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. ↑ "Marquardt Named MAC West Pitcher of the Week". ballstatesports.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  4. ↑ "All-MAC Baseball Teams & Specialty Award Winners Announced". getsomemaction.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  5. ↑ "Five Dutchmen Selected to All-Star Game". dutchmenbaseball.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  6. ↑ "PGCBL All-Stars take part in Home Run Derby". cbs6albany.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  7. ↑ "Mountain All Stars shine brightly at Central Park". worldjournalnewspaper.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  8. ↑ "All Star home runs sail out of the park". worldjournalnewspaper.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  9. ↑ "Pittsburg Diamonds vs Vallejo Admirals: 13-3". pointstreak.com. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  10. ↑ "FOUR STOMPERS WIN GILDED GLOVE AWARDS". Stompersbaseball.com.
  11. ↑ "Statistics As of December 30, 2019". aguilasmetropolitanas.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  12. ↑ "Savannah Bananas Premier Team Players Sign Professional Contracts". The Savannah Bananas. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Chris Kwitzer Overview". baseball-reference.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  14. ↑ "Chris Kwitzer". empireproleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  15. ↑ "2020 Transactions". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  16. ↑ "Former ValleyCat Chris Kwitzer does damage to his old team". timesunion.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  17. ↑ "2021 Transactions". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  18. ↑ "ValleyCats player suspended for rest of season". timesunion.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  19. ↑ "Cavalry recruit Chris Kwitzer looking to bring the party atmosphere to Canberra". canberratimes.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  20. ↑ "Kwitzer Named All-Star Game Alternate". oursportscentral.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  21. ↑ "2023 ALL-STAR SKILLS CONTEST AND HOME RUN DERBY TONIGHT". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  22. ↑ "BOULDERS KWITZER WINS PLAYER OF THE WEEK, WILD THINGS FREGIO WINS PITCHER OF THE WEEK". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  23. ↑ "2023-24 Transactions". frontierleague.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  24. ↑ "2024 ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS ANNOUNCED". frontierleague.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  25. ↑ "Frontier League Transactions". frontierleague.com. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  26. ↑ "A Frontier League All-Star is heading to Western Maryland... welcome to Hagerstown, Chris Kwitzer!".
  27. ↑ "Transactions". baseball.pointstreak.com. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  28. ↑ "2025 Transactions". aabaseball.com. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  29. ↑ "#18 Chris Kwitzer - Cleburne Railroaders". baseball.pointstreak.com. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  30. ↑ "2026 Transactions". aabaseball.com. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Sioux Falls Canaries Sign Infielder Chris Kwitzer". Sioux Falls Canaries. March 12, 2026. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  32. ↑ "2026 Transactions". aabaseball.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  33. ↑ "2026 Transactions". Frontier League. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  34. ↑ "2026 Evansville Otters". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Great Britain punches ticket to World Baseball Classic". mlb.com.
  36. ↑ "MLB Gameday". mlb.com. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  37. ↑ "Taipei World Baseball Classic Qualifier: Favourites Chinese Taipei keep composed". World Baseball Softball Confederation. February 20, 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
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