PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The California Winter League is proud to announce their ninth season in operation, providing an opportunity for players with big league dreams to earn a contract and pave their own path to the top. Since 2010, over 600 contracts have been offered to those players who come out to Southern California to participate. The CWL and our staff take pride in the success stories that have been created for those players who never give up, and would like to recognize the top 10 former CWLers of the 2017 season.

#10 – Casey Upperman

Casey Upperman attended the CWL last January and was awarded for his efforts, earning a contract with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association.

Upperman is a 26-year old from Phoenix, Arizona and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 47th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He had various rookie ball stops in the Diamondbacks’ and Baltimore Orioles’ system until 2013. After being inactive for nearly four years, Casey decided he wasn’t ready to give up his big league dream.

He felt his best opportunity to get a contract was through the California Winter League, and he succeeded in doing so, not allowing a single earned run in eight relief appearances with the Coachella Valley Snowbirds. Upperman allowed just four hits in 10 1/3 innings pitched, striking out 17 and only issuing four free passes.

The 6’1″, 185-pound right-hander signed with the Railroaders out of the CWL and impressed, putting up a 2.19 ERA in 35 relief appearances. Upperman tossed 37 innings of work while striking out 31 with a WHIP of 1.22.

The CWL congratulates Casey on all of his hard work and wishes him the best of luck on his endeavors!