MICHAEL SANDLE WINS PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD

Outfielder Michael Sandle led the Windy City ThunderBolts to a 5-1 record last week, including a sweep of the Joliet Slammers over the weekend. He was a key part of the Bolts’ offensive output, driving in six runs while going 11-for-19 at the plate. Sandle’s week featured five multi-hit games, two doubles, a triple, and two home runs on top of six stolen bases; he also only struck out once in six games. While it is difficult to put a pinpoint on his best single-game performance, the series opener against the Florence Y’alls on Tuesday saw him go 2-for-3 with a homer, four runs, and a walk. Sandle’s splits for the week ended as .579 AVG/.704 OBP/1.105 SLG.

Sandle is in his first full season as a Frontier Leaguer, though he played seven games for the Gateway Grizzlies in 2024. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he previously played in the Houston Astros’ minor league system. Across three combined seasons at four levels, Sandle collected over 230 hits and 26 home runs. His success has continued with the ThunderBolts, ranking second on the team in batting average (.300), home runs (8), and RBIs (26). He is the first ThunderBolt to win Player of the Week since Axel Johnson in 2018.