Moline native Thomas Lindauer made history as the first local position player to play for the Quad Cities' team and then becoming the first Bandits player in two years to be named Midwest League Player of the Week.
The Player of the Week announcement Monday, April 28, 2014, followed a stellar week for Lindauer from April 21 to 27. During that week, Lindauer was brought up from extended spring training and made his debut at shortstop for the Quad Cities River Bandits on April 21. Lindauer had two hits, including a double, in his debut game at Clinton. The next day, he homered twice and had five RBIs in Clinton. Lindauer had a hit in five of his first six games, racking up nine hits and eight RBIs in his first six games.
Lindauer graduated from Moline High School in 2010 and played shortstop for the University of Illinois. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 23rd round.
The last Bandits player named Midwest League Player of the Week was Boone Whiting, who was named pitcher of the week August 20-26, 2012. Anthony Garcia was named league player of the week earlier that same season for the week of June 18 to 24.
The last Quad Cities native to play for the franchise was pitcher Mike Butcher, according to a spokesman for the Quad Cities River Bandits. Butcher pitched four major league seasons for the California Angels from 1992 to 1995 and is now a pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels.