LANCASTER, PA — In a decisive move that signals their intent for the upcoming season, the Lancaster Stormers have officially signed Chris Proctor, the hero of some of their most memorable moments in 2023. The announcement came from manager Ross Peeples, making Proctor the tenth player under contract with the Stormers for the 2024 campaign.
Proctor, who will turn 27 on March 8, joined the Stormers in a late-season trade with the High Point Rockers for RHP Cole Akers in 2022. His performance for Lancaster was impressive, hitting .243 with three home runs and 19 RBIs. He further demonstrated his value with a pair of game-sealing hits in the championship series against High Point.
The 2023 season saw Proctor lead Lancaster to a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Gastonia in a Memorial Day doubleheader. The Gastonia native hit a grand slam in the sixth inning at CaroMont Health Park, securing a 4-3 win for the Stormers. Later in the season, Proctor shattered Gastonia’s hopes again, breaking right-hander Brett Daniels’ no-hit bid with a sixth-inning double on August 25.
Proctor wrapped up the season batting .272 with four homers and 25 RBIs. Showcasing his speed, he also stole 13 bases over the year, despite missing several weeks due to a thumb injury in early June.
The lefty batter’s contributions were pivotal in the Championship Series, where he scored seven runs and stole four bases, helping the Stormers clinch the South Division title in five games. He achieved six hits and three walks in the series, boasting a .529 on-base percentage.
Before his time in the Atlantic League, the Duke University product spent four seasons in the Detroit Tigers system, even reaching Class AAA in 2021.
“Proctor is a solid catcher who controls the bat well,” said Peeples. “He also holds his own in the outfield. He definitely brings value to our locker room and has been a big reason we have won the last two years.”
The Stormers will begin their quest for a third consecutive Atlantic League title on April 25 at Long Island. Their home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, when the Stormers host the league’s newest team, the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. With Proctor back in the lineup, the Stormers are set to make a powerful run in the 2024 season.
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