One year after All-Star game in Mobile, many participants having major league success
Published on September 22, 2006 under Southern League (SL1) News Release
On July 13th, 2005 the Southern League's best players took the field at Hank Aaron Stadium in the All-Star Game. Now, one season later, here are some players from both the North and South Division teams helping Major League teams for the stretch run:
Mike Thompson - San Diego Padres - Mike Thompson, the BayBear pitcher of 2004 and 2005, was the starting pitcher for the South Division in the 2005 All-Star Game. He made his Major League debut in 2006, and has gone 4-5 with a 4.77 ERA in his first 18 Major League games.
Paul McAnulty - San Diego Padres - Paul McAnulty won the 2005 home run derby at Hank Aaron Stadium. His first Major League home run came in September, when he struck a three-run, extra-inning shot to win a game against Colorado. In 12 games with San Diego in 2006, McAnulty has hit .250 with one home run and three RBI's.
Chuck James - Atlanta Braves - Chuck James followed Mike Thompson in relief for the South Division team during the 2005 All-Star Game. In his first full Major League season, James has been a bright spot for the Atlanta Braves, going 10-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 23 games with Atlanta.
Delmon Young - Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Delmon Young was called to Triple-A just days after the All-Star game in 2005, and is now playing right field for the Devil Rays. Young has started his Major League career strong, batting .356 with three home runs and 10 RBI's through his first 21 games.
Dan Uggla - Florida Marlins - Uggla played with the Tennessee Smokies in 2005, and joined the Marlins organization as a Rule V draft choice before 2006. With nine games to play in his rookie Major League season, Uggla was hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 85 RBI's. He has set the Major League record for home runs by a rookie second baseman.
Jeremy Hermida - Florida Marlins - Jeremy Hermida was the MVP of the 2005 All-Star Game, while playing for the Carolina Mudcats. Through 107 games, Hermida was hitting .254 with five home runs and 24 RBI's.
Tony Gwynn Jr. - Milwaukee Brewers - Tony Gwynn Jr. made his Major League debut for Milwaukee in 2006. In 2005, he was a Huntsville Star, and went 1-for-5 in the leadoff spot in the All Star game in 2005.
Russell Martin - Los Angeles Dodgers - Russell Martin has become the every day catcher for the Dodgers, one year after starting for the South Division team at Hank Aaron Stadium. Martin is hitting .284 through late September with 10 home runs and 60 RBI's.
Southern League Stories from September 22, 2006
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
