Grand Rapids, MI — When college baseball players dream of summer ball, the Northwoods League is often at the top of the list. For Aquinas College standouts Brendan Burch and Travis Weide, that dream is now a reality.

Burch, a junior left-handed pitcher from Plainwell, is suiting up for the two-time defending champion Kalamazoo Growlers, while Weide, a 6'3" righty from Alpena, is making waves on the mound for the Traverse City Pit Spitters, one of the league's most respected franchises. Their presence in one of the most competitive collegiate summer leagues in the country speaks volumes about the development and direction of the Aquinas Baseball program.

Brendan Burch: Raising the Bar in Kalamazoo

Back for a second summer with the Growlers, Burch has emerged as a steady contributor in a pitching staff loaded with top collegiate talent. Through nine appearances and one start, he's logged 24 innings, struck out 13, and continues to embrace the daily grind of Northwoods League life.

"My experience with the Growlers has been great. It's definitely a tough schedule playing every day, but it's worth it," Burch said. "Being around the game I love, playing with high-level players from all over the country—it's really raised my expectations for myself."

Head Coach Chris LaMange is confident that Burch's summer work will translate to success this spring at AQ.

"Brendan is back home in Kalamazoo for his second summer and is having another very good year—he's fifth in innings pitched for the Growlers," said LaMange. "We are expecting him to be a big part of our staff this upcoming season, and the outstanding competition he's facing all summer will have him ready to have a huge senior year on the mound."

The idea to bring Burch back for a second season was endorsed by Growler Head Coach Cody Piechoki as he stated, "Burch was brought back for a second season for a reason, and not only is he an effective arm, but the work ethic that Burch showcases along with his care for his teammates, respect of coaches, and overall personality were all driving factors in welcoming back the lefty this summer." 

Travis Weide: From Struggles to Shutdowns

Weide's time in Traverse City has followed a different arc—joining midseason, battling through a rocky debut, and then turning heads with lights-out performances.

"The experience has been absolutely incredible," Weide said. "It's got all the elements of pro ball—the daily grind, elite competition, and electric crowds. Being around guys who are just as driven and locked in pushes you every day. I'm growing in every area—on the mound, mentally, and physically."

That growth has not gone unnoticed. Jackson Heiden, the Pit Spitters' TV broadcaster and media relations coordinator, noted Weide's rapid rise after his first outing.

"After his first outing, which was pretty rough, he's been unhittable—striking out five over his last five innings," said Heiden. "In his most recent outing, he threw four scoreless innings, was two over the minimum, and had 13 first-pitch strikes. With the Spitters clinching a playoff spot, Weide is shaping up to be a high-leverage arm who can give you any amount of innings and be just as dominant."

Coach LaMange couldn't agree more.

"We're very excited for Travis and his opportunity in Traverse City," LaMange said. "Four years in a row we've had AQ players on the field for the Pit Spitters—and now we've got an alum in the dugout, too."

Gillings on the Grassroots: Alum Returns to Lead

A familiar face for Aquinas Baseball, Ryan Gillings, '24, is now serving as the first base coach for the Traverse City Pit Spitters. A four-year starter at catcher for the Saints and one of the program's all-time top defensive players, Gillings has returned to the game from a new perspective—coaching.

Gillings, who also works at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff as a graduate assistant coach and catching instructor, is bringing his knowledge and communication skills to one of the most prestigious summer organizations in the country.

"Ryan brings bright ideas to the staff and has a great connection between the young guys and the coaching staff," Heiden said. "He doesn't have one specific role, but he works a lot with hitters—whether they're NAIA or D1. He's a perfect fit for what the Northwoods League is all about."

Spending the summer coaching in Traverse City has been a full-circle moment for Aquinas alum Ryan Gillings. Now an assistant coach for the Northwoods League's Traverse City Pit Spitters, Gillings credits his time at Aquinas for shaping his leadership style, approach to the game, and ability to connect with players. Beyond sharing the lessons he's learned throughout his journey, Gillings sees each day with the Pit Spitters as a chance to keep learning himself—especially in an environment surrounded by high-level collegiate talent.  With the Northwoods League offering a higher level of competition than many small college athletes typically face during the spring, Gillings believes it's the ideal setting for development. And with Traverse City's top-tier hospitality and the support of the Pit Spitters' front office, the summer ball experience is elevated even further.

"My time at Aquinas taught me how to lead by example, how to connect with teammates, and how to approach the game with purpose—those are the same values I try to bring to the field every day with the Pit Spitters," Gillings said. "Whether it's working with hitters or helping guys adjust to the grind of the Northwoods League, I'm constantly drawing on the lessons I learned as a Saint. It's pretty special to now be in a position where I can help the next generation of players grow."

Why the Northwoods League Matters

The Northwoods League is not just another summer ball league—it's a pipeline to professional baseball. With 26 teams and hundreds of top college players from across the U.S. and Canada, it replicates the pace, pressure, and environment of the pros. More than 370 NWL alumni have made it to the big leagues, including stars like Max Scherzer, Pete Alonso, Chris Sale, Curtis Granderson, and Marcus Semien.

The league's structure allows both elite D1 prospects and small-college standouts to showcase their abilities side-by-side. Heiden notes that while top underclassmen from Big Ten programs use the summer to gain experience, NAIA and WHAC players like Weide and former Pit Spitter Mason Hill use it to prove they belong on that stage.

"For the lower level guys, it's a chance to be seen and prove they can succeed against top talent," Heiden said. "For many, it's a step toward getting drafted or earning a shot at a higher level."

Aquinas Assistant AD Joey Sutherlin, who serves as the official scorer for the West Michigan Whitecaps and has broadcasted Northwoods League games, agrees.

"The Northwoods League is a professional-level environment. It's one of the best things a college player can do in the summer," Sutherlin said. "Our guys are getting tested, and that kind of challenge brings out the best in them."

Aquinas Baseball Is Better Because of This

There's no doubt: opportunities like the Northwoods League raise the ceiling for Aquinas Baseball.

"Brendan and Travis are two more examples of AQ players stepping up in one of the top summer leagues in the country," LaMange said. "It shows recruits that if you come to Aquinas, you'll get the chance to compete with—and against—the best."

Interim AD Ryan Bertoia added, "It speaks to the level of talent we have here and where we're headed."

As Burch racks up innings in Kalamazoo, Weide battles future MLB draft picks in Traverse City, and Gillings mentors the next wave of prospects, the Saints' presence in the Northwoods League sends a strong message: Aquinas Baseball is building something special—and it's built to compete anywhere.