Jarrod Watkins representing Crushers in Frontier League All-Star team

For a team as young as the Lake Erie Crushers, a veteran presence on the diamond is essential.

Shortstop Jarrod Watkins, a former Double-A prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was named to represent the Crushers in the 2023 Frontier League All-Star Game

Lake Erie manager Jared Lemieux said Watkins earned the honor.

“(Watkins) has been a solid player for us. We have been really happy for him. He deserves it. He is a gentleman and a heck of a ball player. He is a good representation of our program,” Lemieux said.

Watkins will play as a member of the West Division All-Stars when they face the East Division All-Stars on July 12.

Watkins was a Crusher prior to playing with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, a Double-A affiliate for the Diamondbacks. His journey returned to Avon for another stint with the Crushers 16 games in the season.

“(Being named Frontier League All-Star) is pretty cool,” Watkins said. “I didn’t know if I would make it. I wasn’t really expecting it, because I came here midway through the season and I really didn’t have an expectation for that. I was really shocked. But at the same time, I felt like I could have deserved it. I am super happy that all of my hard work has paid off.”

Watkins has been dynamic at the plate with 15 doubles, good for fifth in the Frontier League, and has batting average of .252. He is also reliable on defense with a 96.7% fielding percentage. He has helped converted 12 double plays.

“(Watkins) is a gamer and he is willing to do anything that the team needs to win,” Lemieux said. “He is sure-handed defensively. He has done well at shortstop for us. Anything that we have asked for him on offense, he is willing to do.”

Watkins leads by example, as well. One of which was his walk-off hit against the New York Boulders on June 30 to win, 4-3.

“I think everyone is clicking well. From when I first got here, I was welcomed with open arms,” Watkins said. “I enjoy coming here every day, playing baseball with the guys and I love playing for Jared (Lemieux).:”

Jarrod Watkins hits walks-off single in Lake Erie Crushers’ win

His experience in Double-A is valuable for the Crushers as they try to find their footing with a 22-29 record, following their 9-4 loss to Schaumburg on July 9.

"(Watkins) brings some experience to these guys. He knows how to be a professional, go through the day-to-day grind that it takes to be a professional baseball player. It is rubbing off on the rest of the guys," Lemieux said.

The Crushers will host a three-game homestand against the Ottawa Titans from July 14 to July 16.

FRONTIER LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME

What: East Division vs. West Division

When: 7:30 pm., July 12

Where: Ozinga Field, Crestwood, Ill.