The Canaries are pleased to announce that fan favorite, Mike Hart, will be returning to the Birdcage for the 2023 Season.
Hart, 28, played collegiately at the University of Massachusetts before suiting up for the Canaries from 2018 – 2021. Hart took home the American Association Rookie of the Year hardware after a breakout 2019 season, where he slashed .297/.386/.491. During his time in Sioux Falls, he played in 273 games, hit 30 round trippers, and drove in 122 runs.
Hart began his 2022 season in the Atlantic League with the Charleston Dirty Birds. His time was cut short due to a hand injury. He finished 22’ with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League, where he tore up the second half of the season. In just 51 games, Hart crushed 19 home runs and slugged an incredible .669.
Known for his intense play and highlight reel catches, Hart was seen on Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays twice while in a Canaries uniform. His intense hustle, defensive versatility, and powerful bat will be a key contributor to the roster in 2023.
“It’s great to have Mike back in a Canaries uniform” says Canaries Manager Mike Meyer. “In all of my time in professional baseball, I have never seen a player play as hard, or with as much passion as he does. Mike has turned himself into a very dangerous hitter, who will help anchor the middle of our order as a consistent run producer. I am particularly excited to have him bring his knowledge and passion to our coaching staff as well. Hart is a plus defender at multiple positions, and he will use those skills to help coordinate the defense, and assist our Hitting Coach with the offense.”
The Canaries open up their 2023 season at home on Thursday, May 11th against the Cleburne Railroaders. Stay tuned for more player news and the 2023 Promotional Calendar!
