SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Five Former Smokies Named to MLB All-Star Teams

Published on July 6, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - Five former members of the Tennessee Smokies were named yesterday to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Roy Halladay, Dan Haren, Orlando Hudson, Yadier Molina and Michael Young will all be participating in this month's All-Star Game, set to take place next Tuesday, July 14.

Halladay, a 2003 Cy Young winner, has dominated once again this year for the Toronto Blue Jays. In 16 starts this year, Halladay is 10-2 with a 2.79 ERA, striking out 98 in 116 innings pitched. His All-Star selection is the sixth in his career. He was a member of the 2001 Smokies.

Haren is 8-5 this year with a 2.16 ERA in 17 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The former 2003 Smokies pitcher has struck out 119 in 121 innings pitched for Arizona. Next week's All-Star appearance will be Haren's third in a row.

Hudson, a member of the Smokies' 2000-01 teams, is hitting .288 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 80 games this season. Having come all the way back from a devastating wrist injury suffered last year while with Arizona, Hudson has five home runs, 41 RBIs and six stolen bases for the National League West-leading Dodgers.

Molina has developed into one of baseball's premier defensive catchers. The 2004 Smokies alumnae is shining now at the plate as well, hitting .281 for the St. Louis Cardinals with five home runs, 27 RBIs and four stolen bases. It will be Molina's first All-Star selection, which comes one year following his first Gold Glove Award.

Young, a member of the 2000 Smokies, is hitting .314 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and four stolen bases in 77 games this year for the Texas Rangers. This year will mark the first All-Star Game he has been selected to as a third baseman, with his previous five coming as a second baseman. Young's selection is his sixth consecutive, all in a reserve role.

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Southern League Stories from July 6, 2009


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