The Chicago Dogs have signed veteran outfielder Michael Crouse, the team announced Monday.

Crouse comes to Rosemont following a one-year stint with the Atlantic League’s Somerset Patriots, during which he hit 10 home runs, knocked in 25 runs and stole 29 bases. Crouse, a speed-demon on the basepaths, also previously spent time with the Lancaster Barnstormers and New Britain Bees. In 2017, he stole 40 bases to go with 20 home runs and 68 RBI as a member of the Bees, during which he was named an Atlantic League All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year.

The previous year, Crouse played for current Dogs manager Butch Hobson in Lancaster before a trade sent him to New Britain. On the whole, he stole a league-high 61 bases in 2016.

A 16th round Toronto Blue Jays draft pick in 2008, Crouse stayed with the Blue Jays organization through 2014, reaching Double-A with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Canadian outfielder has competed all over the world — Crouse has also been a part of the Australian, Mexican and Venezuelan Leagues. In 2008, representing Canada, he was named to the World Junior Baseball Championship All-Star Team. Three years later, he helped lift his country to a gold medal in the 2011 Pan American Games, and then a silver at the 2019 Games.

Crouse was born in Port Moody, British Colombia, just east of Vancouver. His father, Ray Crouse, is a former NFL running back. He gained 262 yards from scrimmage, scoring one touchdown, for the Green Bay Packers in 1984.

After a 59-win campaign in 2019, the Chicago Dogs open the franchise’s third season on May 22, with a 7:05 game against the Sioux Falls Canaries. Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka will sign a one-day contract to co-manage the team. Every fan in attendance will receive a custom Ditka Dogs-themed bobblehead.

Ticket packages are available by calling 847-636-5450 or by visiting www.TheChicago Dogs.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok by using the handle @TheChicagoDogs.

By Sam Brief, Chicago Dogs