LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Stormers are already setting the stage for another postseason chase in 2025 by fortifying their roster with two new signings, Nick Ward and Slater Schield. Announced Monday by manager Ross Peeples, the additions bring fresh talent to the Atlantic League squad as they aim to maintain their momentum in one of the most competitive leagues in baseball. Both players are set to make their Atlantic League debuts in the upcoming season, and their presence is already stirring anticipation for fans eager to see what’s in store.
For infielder Nick Ward, this signing is something of a homecoming. The 29-year-old from Kennett Square, just southeast of Lancaster, has a storied career that shows a consistent climb toward excellence. A left-handed hitter with a knack for making solid contact, Ward first turned heads during his two-year stint in the Oakland Athletics’ farm system between 2018 and 2019.
However, 2022 was where Ward truly left his mark. Fittingly, it came with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League, where the infielder showcased his batting prowess. Ward didn’t just hit; he tore through the competition, batting an extraordinary .349 with 19 home runs and knocking in 61 RBI. His performance earned him third place in the league’s batting average rankings—a testament to his patience and precision at the plate. Whether facing sliders or fastballs, Ward’s ability to adjust made him an invaluable figure in the Wild Things’ lineup.
Most recently, he’s seen action in the farm systems of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, splitting 2023 between Class AA Reading and Class A Jersey Shore. A season later, he was with Class A Rome, continuing to round out his skills and versatility. Across his career, Ward has proven to be a utility player in the truest sense, stepping into every position on the diamond except center field and catcher. With these attributes, Ward brings a rare combination of skill, flexibility, and experience to the Stormers.
“We have had good reports on him from several people who speak very highly of him as a solid player,” said Peeples. “He has a good approach at the plate and a good K/BB ratio.” Ward’s disciplined approach and vision in the batter’s box promise to be a big asset for Lancaster as they gear up for stiff competition in 2025.
Joining Ward is a fresh-faced talent, 23-year-old Slater Schield, whose story is one of grit and determination. A native of Tennessee, Schield is coming off his first pro baseball stint in the Pioneer League, where he saw action for both Ogden and Rocky Mountain in 2023. Though his time there was brief, he made it count, swinging to a .292 batting average that hinted at his potential. His collegiate years laid the groundwork, as Schield split his career evenly between Union College in Tennessee and Indiana Southeast. Both programs witnessed not only his offensive abilities but also his adaptability as a multi-position player.
Manager Peeples sees an evolving talent in Schield and has expressed optimism about his future. “(Slater) is a young kid who has a great video and is a solid athlete,” said Peeples. “We’re going to bring him into camp to give him an opportunity to make our club and take a backup infield position.” Schield’s athletic profile and eagerness to learn make him an intriguing addition to the organization—and perhaps a hidden gem waiting to shine on the Atlantic League stage.
The Lancaster Stormers will officially kick off their 2025 campaign on April 25, squaring off against the Long Island Ducks on the road. Just a week later, on May 2, the Stormers will host their home opener at Clipper Magazine Stadium against the Gastonia Ghost Peppers. For now, though, the focus remains on fine-tuning the roster and giving fans a glimpse of the team’s future.
With Ward’s veteran skillset and Schield’s raw potential, the 2025 season has all the makings of another exciting chapter for the franchise. Local fans undoubtedly feel the nostalgia of welcoming a hometown talent like Ward while rooting for the aspirational drive of players like Schield who are hungry to make their mark in the sport. For Peeples, assembling a balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth remains the ultimate goal, and these additions are another bold step in that direction.
As the countdown to Opening Day inches closer, one thing is clear—Lancaster’s passion for the game is as strong as ever. Both Ward and Schield represent more than just roster moves; they embody the ambition, resilience, and heart that define the Stormers and their loyal fanbase. Baseball isn’t just a game in Lancaster; it’s part of the community’s fabric, and these signings only deepen that connection heading into a promising new season.
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