AtL York Revolution

Shanks Returning to York

Published on February 24, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release


(York, Pa.): There have been several players who have come to York over the last two seasons and helped the Revolution win not one, but two Atlantic League championships. One of those familiar faces has signed a contract to return for a third season, looking to help the Revs do it all over again in 2012, as the return of All-Star outfielder James Shanks was announced today by manager Andy Etchebarren.

Shanks has been an impact player for the Revolution each of the last two seasons, playing a big role in the middle of the order for an offense that has combined for the most hits and runs in the league during his tenure with the club, while also providing York with strong defense in left field, playing in front of Sovereign Bank Stadium's famed "Arch Nemesis."

"He's an important piece for us," said Etchebarren. "He's one of the best hitters in the league and became a more consistent and selective hitter for us last season. He's become a pretty good defensive player too."

Shanks enjoyed a huge 2010 season, batting .325 which ranked fifth highest in the league, while pacing the Atlantic League with a career-high and club-record 172 hits. It was one of the most complete overall offensive seasons in the league that year, as he also finished tied for fourth in the league in RBI (86), tied for third in runs (91), second in total bases (266), and fifth in extra base hits (52). He was also the team's top power threat, blasting 19 homeruns on the year. Shanks was selected to participate in the 2010 Atlantic League All-Star Game, and was also named a First Team Atlantic League All-Star at season's end.

He provided quite the encore performance for the Revs last season, batting .314 which ranked eighth-best on the circuit, while popping 12 more homeruns and once again earning mid-season and post-season First Team Atlantic League All-Star accolades, the third time in three full seasons in the league that he's received both honors.

Already one of the most decorated hitters in club history, Shanks enters the 2012 season tied for sixth in Revs history in career batting (.320), sixth in games played (232), fourth in runs (152), fourth in at-bats (922), third in hits (295), fifth in homeruns (31), tied for fifth in doubles (54), second in triples (10), tied for third in extra-base hits (95), tied for second in runs batted in (147), third in total bases (462), fifth in slugging percentage (.501), and third in stolen bases (29).

The 2012 season will be Shanks' 14th in professional baseball. The Appling, GA native was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1998, and also played in the Florida Marlins organization, reaching Triple-A in 2005 and 2006. The 33-year-old first came to the Atlantic League with Southern Maryland in 2008, and finished third in the Atlantic League with 93 RBI for the Blue Crabs in 2009.

The Revs now have ten players under contract for the 2012 season, including seven who were members of last year's championship club.

The team will begin its quest to become the first team in Atlantic League history to win three consecutive league championships on April 26 with a visit to Sugar Land, TX to open the season against the expansion Skeeters. York's home opener at Sovereign Bank Stadium is set for Tuesday, May 1 against the Camden Riversharks when the Revs honor last year's championship team with a pregame ring ceremony on the field.

Individual tickets for the 2012 season are on-sale now. Tickets are available in-person at the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office (open weekdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.), by phone at (717) 801-HITS, or online anytime at www.YorkRevolution.com .

The York Revolution Professional Baseball Club is a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The team has captured the Atlantic League Championship in two consecutive seasons, 2010 and 2011 in just five years as a franchise. Home games are played at Sovereign Bank Stadium, located at 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401. For more information, please call 717-801-HITS (4487), or visit the Revolution online at www.YorkRevolution.com.

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Atlantic League Stories from February 24, 2012


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