IBL's London Majors sign Garner

The Intercounty Baseball League’s London Majors have signed outfielder Champ Garner. Photo: London Majors

March 21, 2024

Official London Majors News Release

The London Majors are pleased to announce the signing of outfielder Michael ‘Champ’ Garner, a dual citizen from Los Angeles, who most recently played in the independent Pecos League last summer.

Garner, 25, got into 15 games for the Roswell Invaders in 2023, going 11-for-31 (.355) in a small sample. Primarily an outfielder, Garner can also play first base, adding to his appeal as a potential producer in an IBL lineup.

“Champ has some good tools that can help him have success in this league,” said Roop Chanderdat, the Majors’ GM and field manager. “He has good speed, and he’s a gap hitter who puts the ball in play. On defence, his speed and strong arm will help in the outfield. And his ability to play first base gives us some more flexibility.”

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Garner played three seasons (2017-19) at the NCAA level with the Benedict College Tigers in South Carolina. His best year came in 2018 when he hit an impressive .351 with a .462 on-base percentage and 22 RBIs in 93 plate appearances.

After 2019, Garner played two more collegiate seasons at the NAIA level with the Middle Georgia Knights. In 2020, at the time the baseball world shut down due to COVID-19, the outfielder was batting .410 through 22 games (70 plate appearances).

“What a blessing it is to be joining the London Majors,” said Garner. “I’m looking forward to playing in historic Labatt Park in front of some of the best fans in the world.

“I can’t wait until the season starts up and I get the opportunity to make you all proud.”