TCL All-Star Game Comes to East Texas this Summer

Published on April 16, 2013 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Over the last three seasons, no Texas Collegiate League franchise has sent more players to the TCL All-Star Game than the East Texas Pump Jacks.

This summer, Pump Jacks all-stars won't have to travel very far for the event.

The defending league champions will host the 2013 edition of the TCL All-Star Game at historic Driller Park, the team announced Tuesday morning. The game will be played on Tuesday, July 9, at the venerable home of the Pump Jacks.

"We couldn't be more excited," said general manager Mike Lieberman. "Our first five seasons in East Texas culminated in a TCL championship, won in front of our home crowd last summer. Now we get to kick off our next five years with the All-Star Game, right here at Driller Park."

The TCL All-Star Game attracts the top players in the league as voted on by league coaches and officials. It is expected the league will divided into a North squad, made up of members of the Pump Jacks, Brazos Valley Bombers, and Texas Marshals. The South team would be comprised of the players from the Acadiana Cane Cutters, Victoria Generals, and Woodlands Strykers.

The game is traditionally preceded by the TCL Home Run Derby. Much like the popular major league event, the TCL rendition of the derby will feature a home run hitter from each team. The player who can manage the most home runs will be crowned the league's top slugger. Former Pump Jack Lee Orr won the derby in 2010; he is now playing his way through the San Diego Padres' minor league system.

The Pump Jacks are planning to add even more excitement to the Home Run Derby as well. "The Home Run Derby is a thrilling event enjoyed by baseball fans everywhere," said Lieberman. "But we want to make it even more fun for fans and give them a chance to win just by showing up and being a part of the derby."

The team is working on several other surprises for the TCL All-Star Game, but team officials wouldn't divulge details just yet. The team is also preparing special all-star merchandise to commemorate the event.

The TCL All-Star Game has attracted a bevy of major league scouts in recent years, and for good reason. The winners of the last three TCL Player of the Year and TCL Freshman of the Year awards have all played in the league's midsummer classic, as have the last two TCL Pitchers of the Year. Former Jacks favorites like Orr, Zac Fisher, and Jaden Dillon played in the event before embarking on their pro careers, while recent all-stars like Jason Jester, Hunter Dozier, and Kyle Kubat will soon follow them down the same professional path.

This may be the first time East Texas has hosted the TCL All-Star Game, but the Pump Jacks are no stranger to the event. Over the last three years, 25 Jacks have been named all-stars, the most in the league. Former TCL head coach Ben Taylor also served as head coach of each of those all-star teams.

The TCL All-Star Game was played in Victoria in 2012 and 2010, with the Bombers hosting the classic in 2011.

All-Star Tickets: Tickets for the 2013 TCL All-Star Game will go on sale with Pump Jacks single-game tickets next month. However, the team announced that all Pump Jacks season ticket holders will receive their seats for the All-Star Game... for FREE! All-Star Game tickets will be included in Pump Jacks season ticket packages, so there will be no extra charge for fans to see the league's top players come to Driller Park. And with season ticket holders already receiving a discount of more than 25% on the gate price of tickets, Pump Jacks season tickets became an even better buy.

Host Families: The Pump Jacks are seeking host families for the 2013 season. Hosting a player is a great experience that forges a lifelong bond with a young man, a relationship that transcends the game of baseball. Host families also receive free season tickets "" including the All-Star Game "" for every member of their household. If you're interested in finding out more about the host family program, please contact the Pump Jacks at (903) 218-GO ET or mike@pumpjacksbaseball.com.

Season tickets for the Jacks are on sale now: Season ticket prices remain the same this year "" that's right, no price increase even with a championship and the All-Star Game! Lower Box seats, which include in-your-seat wait service, are just $199 each, and Upper Box seats are $150. Grandstand season tickets are $105 for adults and $85 for children and seniors. Season tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the Jacks' office in downtown Kilgore.

The Pump Jacks open the defense of their title on Thursday, May 30, on the road against the Marshals. They open their 2013 home schedule on Tuesday, June 4, against Acadiana, then conclude their opening homestand with a championship rematch against the Generals.

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