Championship Series MVP Lester Returns
January 17, 2013 - Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
Marion, IL - The Southern Illinois Miners and manager Mike Pinto have resigned infielder Cannon Lester. The 2013 season will be Lester's third season with the Miners. Lester was named the 2012 Frontier League Championship Series MVP. He was a free agent and had offers to join a number of teams.
"Cannon has done a great job for us the last two seasons," said Pinto. "He really proved himself to be a critical part of our offense in the second half of the season and shined in a big way in the playoffs. We don't get to raise a championship flag this spring without Cannon's extraordinary efforts in the Championships. I'm very glad to have him back with us this season."
In 2012, Lester played in 64 games. He recorded a .262 average with three home runs and 27 runs batted in. Lester recorded 49 hits with seven doubles and two triples. He scored 29 runs and walked 14 times. Lester became an everyday player in August and his offense turned to a new level. In 22 games, he hit .304 with three doubles, two triples and two home runs with 14 runs batted in.
Lester proved to be versatile for the Miners. While playing 35 games at second base, he also played 16 games at third base and three games at shortstop.
Miners fans will remember how Lester played against Florence in the Frontier League Championship Series. Lester batted .500 with two home runs and three runs batted in. He recorded eight hits in 16 at bats and recorded two doubles with three runs scored. For his championship series effort, Lester was named the Most Valuable Player. Lester's final postseason average was .360 in seven games.
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2012 Frontier League Champions and have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year three times since its inception. It has also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007. For media inquiries concerning the Miners, please contact Mike Ventola, Director of Media Relations 618-998-8499 ext. 8547 or mikev@southernillinoisminers.com. For ticket information please contact the Rent One Park Box Office at 618-998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.
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