2009 Colts Year In Review
September 11, 2009 - United League Baseball (ULB)
San Angelo Colts News Release
San Angelo, Texas--- As the San Angelo Colts 10th season comes to a close; there are many moments Colts fans can reflect upon with joy. One, however, stands out among the rest. In game four of the United League Championship Series between the Colts and the Amarillo Dillas, San Angelo stood just one strike away from the conclusion of their season. Down a run, in the bottom of the ninth inning, with runners at the corners, Nick Mahin sent a screaming line drive over the left field wall, propelling the Colts to a 10-8 victory, for one of the most dramatic walk-off homeruns in Colts history.
Although the off-season saw moments of turmoil, the San Angelo Colts persevered to earn ULB franchise of the year. For the second consecutive year, San Angelo came away with the most regular season wins, earning the number one seed entering the playoffs. The Colts moved ahead of the pack rapidly, boasting a 27 and 13 mark through the first half of the season. San Angelo opened the regular season taking three out of four from Amarillo and from that point forward never relinquished the first-place crown completing the season with a 48 and 32 record.
The year began on June 11th, as 4,010 supportive Colts fans turned out for opening day. Fans continued to show their support for the Colts throughout the season, as San Angelo reached over 100,000 fans for its third consecutive season.
Being named franchise of the year wasn't the only accolade San Angelo was awarded. Former big league manager, and fourth year Colts skipper Doc Edwards was named manager of the year. 2008 rookie of the year, Bryan Frichter, who hit a league best .385, was named Most Valuable Player for his 2009 campaign. Frichter also led the Colts in hits (100) and steals (29). Others that put forth exceptional seasons was ace of the staff, Brian Henschel, who stood atop the league in wins(11), innings pitched(121.2), ERA(2.29), complete games(6), and complete game shutouts(3). San Angelo's designated hitter, Jason Landreth, nabbed two of the three Triple Crown marks by collecting eighteen homeruns and 69 RBI's.
Over the course of the 2009 season, three Colts players earned the honor of having their contracts purchased by an affiliated organization. Right-handed pitcher Alex Merricks was signed by the New York Mets prior to opening day. Another right-hander and former Houston Astros pitcher Ezequiel Astacio, was given an opportunity to possibly return to the big leagues when his contract was purchased by the Chicago Cubs. In Astacio's first year as a Colt, the Dominican Republic native boasted a 9-1 record, reaching a 3.86 earned run average. In 77 innings of work, Astacio punched out 62 hitters while making 14 starts. Catcher Alex Herrnberger needed just 11 at-bats with San Angelo before his contract was purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although it's difficult to lose a contributor to his ballclub, San Angelo's skipper Doc Edwards says one of his main priorities is to help his player's chase their dreams. "This is how we operate in San Angelo. If our player's have a dream of playing organizational ball, and a team shows interest, it's our job to give them that opportunity," Said Edwards.
The San Angelo Colts would like to extend their gratitude to our supporters in the community. There is one reason why the Colts are San Angelo's most affordable family fun, and that is because of you. We look forward to continued excellence in the 2010 season and we'll see you opening day!
Stay updated on the San Angelo Colts by visiting our website at www.sanangelocolts.com. Call us to reserve tickets for next season: (325) 942-6587. We will see you next year.
United League Baseball Stories from September 11, 2009
- 2009 Colts Year In Review - San Angelo Colts
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