SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Canaries announced this morning that they have signed Infielder Andrew Ely for the 2019 season.

Ely, 26, was a 32^nd round draft pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs out of the University of Washington. After 4 seasons with the Cubs, and a stop at each of their Minor League levels, the New York Mets selected him in the 2017 Triple-A Rule 5 Draft. Ely spent the majority of the 2018 season with the Mets Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

The Eagle, Idaho native is a career .248/.334/.348/.682 hitter, and is known for his standout defensive play. “Ely is an elite defender up the middle,” says Canaries Skipper Mike Meyer. “He has played multiple season at the Double-A level, and owns a career .965 fielding percentage throughout his career at shortstop. He has consistently gotten on-base at a high percentage, and should add a bit of juice to our lineup as well. Andrew will be at the top of our order on a nightly basis, and we plan on him playing a huge role for us both offensively and defensively in 2019.”

The Canaries open up their 2019 season on the road against the Cleburne Railroaders on Thursday, May 16^th. The Birds home schedule kicks off on Friday, May 31^st against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The first Friday Night Fireworks Show, brought to you by Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, will begin shortly after the completion of the game. For more information on Corporate Partnerships, Season Tickets, and Group Outings, visit the Canaries Official Website at www.sfcanaries.com, or call the Front Office at (605)336-6060.