LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – The Lancaster Stormers announced the inking of two more players for the 2024 season on Wednesday, bringing their total signed player count to nine.

The Stormers re-signed outfielder Shawon Dunston Jr. and traded for outfielder Gaige Howard from the Schaumburg (IL) Boomers of the Frontier League. Both players are left-handed batters.

This will be Dunston’s third season with the Stormers. Dunston has played in 127 games with the team over the last two seasons, batting .281 with 17 doubles, nine triples, 14 home runs and 64 RBI. Dunston has stolen 51 bases and scored 97 runs.

Lancaster Stormers ink two more players for 2024 season

“Junior brings speed to our lineup and can play all three outfield spots,” said
Stormers manager Ross Peeples. “He runs the bases very well, and his approach to the game brings the value that we are looking for.”

The son of former Cubs and Giants shortstop, Shawon Dunston, Sr. was integral in the former Barnstormers’ route to their 2022 championship, hitting a leadoff home run in the opening game of the Championship Series against High Point.

Last year Dunston helped the Barnstormers to their second-straight championship by going 4-for-13 in the playoffs and stealing four bases in the game four and five wins over Gastonia.

Before the Stormers, the 31-year-old played in the San Francisco and Chicago Cubs system for six seasons, spending some time in the American Association and Frontier Leagues too.

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Howard comes to the Stormers after spending last season with Schaumburg. The 25-year-old also spent some of the last two campaigns in the Los Angeles Dodgers system with Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

With the Schaumburg Boomers Howard hit .307 and posted six home runs with 49 RBI while stealing 25 bags. The University of New Orleans product finished third in the league in walks with 78. Between college and professional appearances, Howard has walked more batters than he has struck out over the last five years.

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“Gaige had a great year in the Frontier League last year and wants the chance to
compete at a higher level,” Peeples said. “He has a great approach at the plate and
great hand-eye coordination and can play all three outfield spots.”

The Stormers begin their season at Long Island on April 25 to start their quest for a three-peat championship. They will play their home opener on April 30 against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.

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