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Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Gorkys Hernandez Selected For Prestigious MLB Futures Game

June 27, 2008 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have announced that centerfielder Gorkys Hernandez will represent the Atlanta Braves in the XM Satellite Radio MLB Futures Game, which will be played at Yankee Stadium in conjunction with the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. Hernandez will represent his native Venezuela on the World roster which will compete against the U.S Olympic Trial Team at 12:30 PM EST on Sunday, July 13th. The game will be carried live on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

In its 10th year, the MLB Futures Game selects the most elite talent from the minor leagues. That fact is evidenced by 39 alumni of the Futures Game going on to selections to the MLB All-Star Game. Hernandez will be making his second consecutive appearance for the World Team, also representing Venezuela while a member of the Detroit Tigers organization in 2007. This year's installment of the Futures Game will feature a different format than that contest, held in San Francisco. In 2008, the U.S Team will be made up of prospective members of the U.S National Team, hoping for a roster spot in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games to be held in Beijing, China. This year's game will also be nine innings in duration as compared to seven-inning ballgames in the past.

Despite missing more than a month this season with a hamstring strain, the current #5 rated prospect in the Braves' chain according to Baseball America has been the anchor in the Pelicans outfield. He presently leads the team's regulars with a .318 batting average. He has also launched four home runs, drove in 24 runs and recorded five triples although he has only appeared in 41 games.

Due to missing time, the selection surprised the Pelicans' charismatic star: "It was a surprise for me when the manager (Rocket Wheeler) talked to me. He told me, 'You're going to the Futures Game,'" Hernandez said. "I called my father and mother [and said], 'I'm going to the Futures Game in Yankee Stadium in New York.' They said, 'Good for you.'"

Hernandez will be the only representative of the Braves organization in the Futures Game, although he will be joined by another familiar face on the Grand Strand. Former Pelican and current top-prospect in the Texas Rangers organization, Elvis Andrus, will also compete for the World Team.

Hernandez and the Pelicans continue a three-game series with the Potomac Nationals tonight at BB&T Coastal Field at 7:05 PM. The first 2000 fans will receive Pelicans Beach Towels on their way into the ballpark. Seats do remain and are available by calling the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or toll-free at (877) 918-TIXX, logging on to MyrtleBeachPelicans.com or visiting the Pelicans Box Office at BB&T Coastal Field.

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